Spinal pain or difficulty walking? Here's why you should get checked for backbone cancer

Primary spinal cancer can start inside the spine, but secondary or metastatic spinal cancer spreads to the spine from other regions of the body. (Image: Canva)

Spinal cancer, another name for backbone cancer, develops when aberrant cells in the vertebrae or surrounding tissues of the spine grow out of control. Primary spinal cancer can start inside the spine, but secondary or metastatic spinal cancer spreads to the spine from other regions of the body. Although initial spinal tumours are comparatively uncommon, metastatic spinal tumours—which frequently result from malignancies of the breast, lung, or prostate—are more frequent.

Symptoms of backbone cancer

The symptoms of backbone cancer vary widely depending on the tumour's location, size, and whether it compresses the spinal cord or nerves, says Dr Dinesh Singh, Chairman of Radiation Oncology, Andromeda Cancer Hospital, Sonipat.

Common symptoms include:

Pain: The most prevalent symptom, pain, can originate from the spine and, if nerves are damaged, radiate to other locations. Depending on the size of the tumour, the intensity can vary from mild to severe.

Neurological symptoms include:

Numbness or tingling: As a result of nerve compression, patients may feel like they have "pins and needles," especially in their legs.

Muscle weakness: Difficulties walking, lifting, or holding objects might result from lower limb weakness.

Lack of sensation: Certain body parts may experience a lack of sensation as a result of nerve compression.

Difficulty walking: Impaired gait, balance, and coordination can result in a high rate of falls.

Incontinence: A compressed spinal cord may result in a loss of control over one's bowels or bladder.

Paralysis: In extreme circumstances, the tumour may result in partial or total paralysis beneath the tumour's surface, necessitating emergency medical care.

Additional symptoms are:

Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss that occurs spontaneously may be an indication of cancer overall.

Fatigue: The body's reaction to cancer may be the cause of ongoing fatigue or low energy.

Spinal deformity: If the tumour is big or has caused vertebral collapse, there may be noticeable alterations in the curvature or alignment of the spine.

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Causes of backbone cancer

According to Dr Singh, whether a tumour is primary or secondary determines the causes of backbone cancer:

Primary spinal tumours: These tumours can develop from connective tissues, bone, or nerve tissues and start inside the spine. Many times, the precise cause of primary spinal tumours is not known.

Secondary spinal tumours: These tumours originate in other body areas, such as the breast, prostate, or lungs, and spread to the spine. They are typically indicative of advanced malignancy and more prevalent than initial tumours.

Stages of backbone cancer

Instead of being staged, backbone cancer is usually graded, with grades ranging from 1 to 4. Higher grades correspond to more aggressive tumours. The grade serves as an indicator of the tumour's aggressiveness. Stage IV cancers are those that have spread to the spine from another area of the body.

Treatment options for backbone cancer

Treatment for backbone cancer depends on the type, location, and grade of the tumour, as well as the patient's overall health. Here are some of the common treatments:

Surgery: When a tumour compresses the spinal cord, surgery is frequently the first course of treatment. As much of the tumour as is feasible must be removed while maintaining brain function.

Radiation therapy: Especially for inoperable tumours, radiation therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or to decrease tumours prior to surgery. It is also frequently used to get rid of any cancer cells that remain following surgery.

Chemotherapy: Particular malignancies, such as multiple myeloma or metastatic spinal tumours, are more frequently treated with chemotherapy. Radiation and surgery may be added to it.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: These more recent treatments either improve the immune system's capacity to combat the tumour or target certain cancer cells.

Pain management: Medication, nerve blocks, and other methods may be used to reduce pain, which is essential in the treatment of spinal cancer.