Could My Back Pain be Cancer?
Severe back pain can be debilitating and when it gets worse or doesn’t go away it can be scary. People with chronic back pain often worry if it’s a spinal tumor. There are many causes of back pain. However, the most common is a pulled muscle. Although it can also be a symptom of a spinal tumor. Because it can be a sign of cancer, you should always get back pain checked out. It’s important to understand related pain and what to do to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
What to Know About Spinal Tumors
Cancer is caused by abnormal growth and proliferation of cells. As a result of the enhanced growth and cell division, the cells can merge forming tumors. This can happen in any part of the body including the spinal column. Tumors can be benign or malignant (which is cancerous). If the tumor becomes cancerous the cells spread into the blood and lymphatic system, providing them the means to travel through the body.
Types of Spinal Tumors
Primary tumors originate in the spinal column and most of these are non-cancerous
Secondary tumors, or metastatic tumors, spread to the spine from other areas. These are cancerous. As a matter of fact, close to 90% of spinal tumors are diagnosed as metastatic.
Additional, Spinal Tumors that are Classified by Their Location
- Extradural: outside the spinal cord
- Intradural-extramedullary: within the protective covering of the spinal cord
- Intramedullary: within the spinal cord
The Progression of Spinal Cancer
The risk of spinal cancer increases with age and individuals over the age of 50. Although if you have had cancer before, you are at an even greater risk. The rate of growth of a spinal tumor depends on the type of tumor. They can vary from small and contained within the spine too much larger impacting the entire spinal column. Tumors can also travel when they reach the blood or lymphatic system and if untreated, these can become life-threatening.
Treatment for a spinal tumor typically involves surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of any of these. When cancer is advanced or patients have other health conditions this can make it difficult for them to get through surgery. In these cases, palliative care is provided to reduce pain and increase comfort rather than risking surgery.
What Does Spinal Tumor Pain Feel Like?
The pain caused by a spinal tumor will start out gradually and get worse over time. Rest typically does not improve the pain and it often gets much worse at night. Many people also experience sharp flare-ups, with pain in the upper or lower back, radiating into the legs. Additional symptoms that may occur include:
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever or chills
- Loss of appetite
The pain caused by spinal tumor results from expanding bones which causes the vertebrae to easily fracture. Tumors can also compress the spinal cord, pinching the nerves and radiating pain to different areas of the body. The tumor and possible fractures can use spinal instability which also contributes to overall pain.
When to See a Doctor
If you have unexplained back pain that persists or worsens and self-care is providing little to no relief, seek a doctor. Back pain can occur for a number of reasons. However, because of the risk of spinal cancer, it is best to get a diagnosis early. Early diagnosis and treatment is the most successful way to treat spinal cancer. So, you do not want to wait. When the back pain is severe and accompanied by other symptoms you should seek an immediate medical evaluation.
Despite the risk of spinal cancer, it is important to remember that back pain rarely turns out to be cancer-related. However, getting it looked out sooner rather than later can result in effective pain management and early identification.
If your back pain is getting worse or not responding to home remedies, call us for a spinal specialist at 888-409-8006. Offices located throughout South Florida.