Recognizing Early Signs of Spinal Cord and Vertebral Tumours
Back pain is a common ailment experienced by millions of people daily, usually stemming from muscle strain, poor posture, or degenerative disc disease. However, when back pain persists, worsens at night, or is accompanied by unusual neurological deficits, it can sometimes point to a more serious underlying issue such as a spinal tumour. Recognizing the warning signs early is crucial for effective treatment. At Bombay Hospital in Mumbai, Dr. Vikram Karmarkar specializes in diagnosing and performing complex spinal cord tumour surgeries.
Consultation & Location Info
Specialist: Dr. Vikram Karmarkar (Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Specialist)
Hospital: Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Marine Lines, Mumbai - 400020
Direct Helpline / WhatsApp: +91 99306 81273
What is a Spinal Tumour?
A spinal tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord or the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Tumours can be classified as primary (originating directly in the spine) or metastatic (spreading from cancer elsewhere in the body). They are further categorized based on their anatomical location relative to the spinal cord:
- Intramedullary Tumours: Grow within the spinal cord cells themselves (e.g., astrocytomas, ependymomas).
- Extramedullary Tumours: Grow in the membranes surrounding the spinal cord (meningiomas) or the nerve roots growing out of the cord (schwannomas, neurofibromas).
- Vertebral / Epidural Tumours: Affect the bony vertebrae or the space outside the dural sac, often comprising metastatic growths.
Red-Flag Symptoms to Watch For
As a spinal tumour grows, it places increasing pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, disrupting sensory and motor signals. Key warning signs include:
| Symptom Category | Clinical Presentation | Underlying Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent Back Pain | Deep, localized pain that worsens at night, during rest, or with light physical strain. Does not respond to standard pain management. | Tumor pressure on vertebral bone structures or stretching of spinal membranes. |
| Neurological Numbness | Loss of sensation, coldness, or tingling ("pins and needles") in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. | Compression of sensory nerve pathways running through the spinal canal. |
| Motor Weakness | Unexplained muscle weakness, clumsiness, frequent tripping, or difficulty walking and lifting objects. | Impaired motor neuron signaling to peripheral limbs. |
| Sphincter Dysfunction | Bowel or bladder incontinence, difficulty urinating, or sudden loss of sphincter control (requires urgent medical care). | Severe neural compression affecting autonomic pathways (cauda equina or lower cord compression). |
Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention
Advanced diagnostic tools such as high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and CT scans provide clear visualization of tumor location, size, and relationship to the spinal cord. When surgical removal is necessary, high-magnification microsurgical techniques are employed to decompress neural elements safely and excise the lesion with minimal collateral damage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent back pain accompanied by neurological symptoms, early evaluation is vital. Consult Dr. Vikram Karmarkar at Bombay Hospital for expert diagnosis and customized surgical planning.
Dr. Vikram Karmarkar
Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon
Consult at Bombay Hospital, Mumbai.
WhatsApp Us Call +91 99306 81273 Contact Form