“Georgian Clinics” JSC

Tumor of the spinal cord

A spinal cord tumor is a tumor that develops in the spinal canal or the bones that make up the spinal column. It can be benign or malignant Tumors of the bones of the spine are called vertebral tumors Tumors that originate directly in the spinal cord are called spinal cord tumors. There are two main types of spinal cord tumors: Intramedullary tumors start from cells directly inside the spinal cord. Such tumors are astrocytomas and ependymomas Extramedullary tumors develop from cells surrounding the spinal cord These types of tumors can damage the function of the spinal cord by pressing on it and in other ways Examples of extramedullary tumors include schwannomas, meningiomas, and neurofibromas Metastases from tumors in other parts of the body can be found in the pelvis, around the spinal cord, and rarely in the spinal cord. Spinal cord tumors or any other growths can cause pain, neurological problems, and sometimes paralysis. Both malignant and benign tumors can be life-threatening and cause lifelong disability. Spinal cord tumors are treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other medications.