Primary Spinal Cord Cancer
Primary spinal cord tumors develop within the spinal cord or surrounding tissues. At RWJBarnabas Health, our expert team provides comprehensive care using advanced treatments and technologies to effectively treat these complex tumors while preserving neurological function.
Together with New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, we provide patients access to complex surgical techniques, clinical trials, precision medicine, immunotherapy, and sophisticated radiation therapy techniques.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best brain and spine cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
What Is Primary Cancer of the Spinal Cord?
Primary spinal cord tumors originate in the spinal cord or surrounding tissues, unlike metastatic tumors that spread from other parts of the body. These tumors can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Even benign tumors can cause serious symptoms by compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent nerve damage and maintain quality of life.
Types of Primary Spinal Cord Tumors
Our specialists treat all types of spinal cord tumors, including:
Intramedullary Tumors (Within the Spinal Cord)
- Ependymomas.Most common adult primary spinal cord tumor
- Astrocytomas. More common in children, develops from supporting cells
- Gangliogliomas. Rare tumors containing both glial and nerve cells
Extramedullary Tumors (Outside the Spinal Cord)
- Meningiomas. Arise from protective membranes covering the spinal cord
- Schwannomas. Develop from the nerve root covering
- Neurofibromas. Associated with genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis
Other Primary Spinal Tumors
- Chordomas. Rare tumors developing from embryonic notochord remains
- Hemangioblastomas. Vascular tumors that can be sporadic or associated with genetic syndromes
Symptoms of Cancer of the Spinal Cord
Symptoms of spinal tumors often start gradually and become more noticeable over time. They may include:
- Pain in the back that tends to get worse as time goes on; it might feel more intense at night or when a person is active
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Some areas of the back may feel unusually sensitive to touch
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, like the "pins and needles" feeling when one’s foot falls asleep.
- Balance problems
- Bladder or bowel control problems
- Decreased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- In more serious cases, some people may experience muscle weakness that can progress to paralysis.
Spinal Cord Tumor Diagnosis
To get a clear picture of what's happening inside the body, we use advanced imaging and diagnostic procedures including:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast dye to see the bones and surrounding tissues
- Computed tomography (CT) scans of bones
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans to identify areas where cancer might be active
- X-rays to evaluate the stability of the spine
- Myelogram to see spinal cord and nerve roots in more detail
- Biopsy tissue sample to determine exact type of tumor
- Genetic testing to check for inherited conditions
- Spinal tap to test spinal fluid and measure how well nerves are working
Doing one or more of these tests helps us develop the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.
Spinal Cord Tumor Treatment
Your treatment plan will be carefully tailored to your specific situation. We consider several important factors when developing your plan, including:
- Tumor type, size, and location
- Your age and overall health
- Presence and severity of symptoms
- Your preferences and goals
Our expert neurosurgeons use advanced microsurgical and minimally invasive techniques to remove tumors while protecting nerve function.
- Cyberknife. A robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumors throughout the body noninvasively.
- Gamma Knife. A stereotactic radiosurgery device that allows our neurologists to treat neurological conditions without surgery.
- Proton therapy. Rather than using rays of radiation, like gamma rays or X-rays, particle beam therapy uses particles such as protons. This treatment is highly targeted and used in brain cancer treatment to prevent adverse effects to tissue that is right next to a tumor.
For many patients, we complement surgery or radiation therapy with medical treatments like chemotherapy or cellular therapies.
Recovery from spinal cord surgery is supported by comprehensive rehabilitation services, including physical and occupational therapy. Through our partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, our patients have access to the latest clinical trials and research protocols.
After treatment, we provide ongoing care with regular imaging, neurological assessments, and continued support to ensure the best possible outcome.
Learn more about why choose to choose RWJBarnabas Health for neurosurgery.
Contact Us for Spinal Cord Cancer Care in New Jersey
When it comes to primary spinal cord cancer, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best possible outcomes. Our specialists provide expert care for primary spinal cord tumors, combining advanced surgical techniques with the latest treatment options. Our comprehensive team includes experienced oncologists, nurse navigators, and support professionals who work together to create personalized treatment plans. We deliver sophisticated care in a compassionate environment, conveniently located close to home.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best brain and spine cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
