Spinal Cord Cancer Symptoms

Spinal cord cancer is an aggressive type of cancer that affects the vertebral column and surrounding tissue. Symptoms of spinal cord cancer include painful sensations in the lower back, neck, and arms; numbness or weakness in arms and legs; difficulty walking; loss of bladder and bowel control; and changes in the activity of the bowel and bladder. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving the prognosis of this type of cancer. Treatment options for spinal cord cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and type of the cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer, aggressive treatments may be necessary in order to prevent the cancer from spreading. With early detection, the chance of successful treatment and long-term survival is greatly increased.