Symptoms of SPINAL CORD TUMOR

The symptoms of spinal tumors depend on their location. When they occur in the cervical spine, they may produce neck pain. The pain may radiate into the arms, back of the head or shoulder blades. Weakness, numbness and tingling may occur in the arms or the legs. Unstable gait may occur and there may be problems with bowel and bladder function. Involvement in the thoracic spine is most common with metastatic tumors. They frequently produce pain and may lead to pathological fractures. Weakness, numbness and tingling are confined to the legs. Bowel and bladder function may be affected. Tumors of the Lumbar spine may produce low back pain, leg pain and buttock pain. Numbness, weakness and bowel and bladder dysfunction may develop. Spinal cord tumors of the upper cervical spine can produce a Horner's syndrome. This can lead to drooping eyelid and unequal pupils.