Spinal tumor clinical features

Clinical features of spinal tumors can vary depending on the location, size, and type of tumor.

Here are some common clinical features associated with spinal tumors:

Pain: Persistent or progressive pain in the back, neck, or limbs is a common symptom of spinal tumors. The pain may be dull, aching, or sharp in nature and can be exacerbated by movement or worsen over time.

Neurological Symptoms: Spinal tumors can compress or damage the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to neurological symptoms. These may include:

Radicular Pain: Pain radiating along the path of affected nerve roots, which can extend into the arms or legs. Sensory Changes: Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the limbs or other areas supplied by the affected nerves.

Muscle Weakness: Weakness or difficulty with voluntary movements in the limbs, which can lead to gait disturbances or difficulty with fine motor skills.

Loss of Reflexes: Diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes may be observed.

Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: Spinal tumors affecting the lower spinal cord or cauda equina can cause urinary or fecal incontinence or difficulty with urination or defecation.

Spinal Deformity: In some cases, spinal tumors can cause deformities of the spine, such as scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine) or kyphosis (excessive forward curvature of the spine).

Weakness and Paralysis: Large or aggressive spinal tumors can lead to progressive weakness or paralysis in the limbs, depending on the level of the spinal cord or nerve root involvement.

Systemic Symptoms: In some instances, spinal tumors can cause systemic symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats. These symptoms are more common in malignant tumors.

It is important to note that the clinical presentation of spinal tumors can vary, and some individuals may remain asymptomatic until the tumor reaches a significant size or causes compression of vital structures.