At Texas Neurosurgery, LLP, patients in Dallas receive personalized care focused on understanding their condition and exploring appropriate treatment options. Board-certified neurosurgeons Dr. Christopher Michael and Dr. Shaad Bidiwala have extensive experience treating tumors of the brain and spine using advanced surgical and minimally invasive techniques.
What Determines How Fast a Spinal Cord Tumor Grows?
The growth rate of a spinal cord tumor mainly depends on the type of tumor and whether it is benign or malignant. Many benign spinal tumors grow slowly and may remain relatively stable for long periods.
Malignant tumors generally have the potential to grow and spread more quickly. However, even a slow-growing tumor can become serious if it begins pressing on the spinal cord, nerves, or nearby structures.
Other factors that may influence how quickly symptoms develop include:
- The tumor’s location
- Its size
- The specific type of cells involved
- Whether it begins in the spine or spreads from another part of the body
- How much pressure it places on the spinal cord or nerve roots
Do Symptoms Reveal How Quickly a Tumor Is Growing?
Not necessarily. Symptoms sometimes progress gradually with a slow-growing tumor, but the location of the tumor can be just as important as its growth rate.
Possible signs include:
- Persistent back or neck pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Changes in bladder or bowel function
A relatively small tumor in a confined area may cause significant symptoms if it compresses sensitive nerves or the spinal cord.
How Do Doctors Monitor Spinal Cord Tumor Growth?
MRI imaging is commonly used to evaluate the size and location of a spinal cord tumor. Comparing scans taken at different times can help doctors determine whether the tumor is growing and how quickly it is changing.
Protect Your Spinal Health With Spinal Cord Tumor Care in Dallas, TX
Early evaluation can help determine what type of spinal cord tumor is present, whether it is changing, and which treatment approach may be appropriate. Call 214-823-2052 to schedule a consultation.