This sample is sent to the laboratory, where a specialist closely checks the biopsy for cancer.

Biopsy – in this test, your doctor removes a biopsy (small tissue sample) from the spine.

Problems in any of these areas could indicate that you have a metastatic spinal tumor. As part of the physical exam, your doctor may perform a neurological exam, which checks your balance, coordination, reflexes, vision and hearing.

Physical exam – your doctor will perform a complete physical exam – including asking questions about your health history, your symptoms and related risk factors.

Your oncologist may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose this condition:

Trouble controlling your bladder or bowel (incontinence).

Tingling, weakness or numbness in your arms, legs or chest.Paralysis (inability to move certain areas of the body).Pain in the back that often worsens at night.Decreased ability to feel pain, cold or heat.When they do occur, signs and symptoms of a secondary spinal tumor can include:

In their early stages, many metastatic spinal tumors don’t cause any symptoms. The most common types of cancer that metastasize (spread) to the spine are: Therefore, if you have a different kind of cancer, you are at risk of developing a metastatic spinal cancer. Other types of cancers can turn into secondary spinal tumors. When cancerous cells spread from another area of the body to the spine, spinal metastases occur. Intramedullary spinal tumor – this type develops within the spinal cord.Ĭancer is caused when mutations (changes) occur in cells, and then those cells grow and multiply quickly.This type comprises about 40 percent of all metastatic spinal tumors. Intradural-extramedullary spinal tumor – this type develops in the dura but not in the spinal cord itself.Extradural spinal tumor – this type develops outside the dura, which is the thin membrane covering the spinal cord.Some of the most common types of spinal tumors are: Spinal metastases can cause various significant issues, such as pain and problems with the nervous system (a complex system that controls memory, learning, reflexes, movement and more). Metastatic spinal cancer, or secondary spinal tumors, occur when cancer spreads from another area of the body to the spine.

Spine cancer