Spinal Tumours

Spinal tumours, whether benign or malignant, can significantly impact health due to their location and potential effects on the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Spinal tumours are abnormal growths that develop within or adjacent to the spinal cord and vertebrae. They can range from benign, which are non-cancerous, to malignant, which are cancerous, each affecting the spine’s function and potentially leading to severe symptoms.

Symptoms Of Spinal Tumours

Persistent Back Pain (especially at night)

This is often caused by the pressure exerted on surrounding nerves and tissues.

Loss of Sensation/Muscle Strength in Legs

Loss of sensation and muscle strength in the legs is a concerning symptom that may indicate nerve compression from a spinal tumour, necessitating prompt medical evaluation.

Difficulties with Bladder/Bowel Function

Difficulties with bladder and bowel function may indicate spinal tumours, as nerve compression can disrupt the normal autonomic control of these functions.

Causes

While the exact origins of spinal tumours are not fully understood, contributing factors may include genetic predispositions, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation and metastasis from other cancerous growths.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing spinal tumours involves a detailed medical history, physical examination and imaging tests such as MRIs and CT scans. Biopsies may also be conducted to identify the tumour type.

Spinal Tumours Treatment In Singapore

The treatment strategy for spinal tumours are tailored to the tumour’s type, location and size, as well as the patient’s overall health condition.

Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) delivers high-dose radiation to the tumour while avoiding the spinal cord and adjacent critical organs.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Kyphoplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure where cement is injected into the bone to give it strength. Another procedure uses carbon fibre implants to stabilise the spine in preparation for SBRT.

FAQs on Spinal Tumours

Surgery is not a universal requirement for spinal tumours; the decision depends on the tumour's characteristics and the symptoms it causes. Careful consideration of all factors is important before recommending the best treatment approach, which may or may not include surgical intervention.

While many spinal tumours are benign, they can still cause significant issues due to their size or location. Regular monitoring and sometimes treatment are essential for managing benign tumours effectively.

The prognosis for individuals diagnosed with a spinal tumour varies greatly and depends on the tumour's type, stage at diagnosis and the patient's response to treatment.

At-home management of spinal tumour symptoms generally includes adhering to a treatment plan that may involve pain medications and prescribed exercises to maintain mobility. Regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of home treatments and to make necessary adjustments.

If you believe you might have a spinal tumour, prompt medical evaluation is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Our Specialist

About Gamaliel Tan

MBBS (S'pore), MMED (S'pore), FAMS (Ortho), FRCS (Edin)

Dr Gamaliel Tan is a spine surgeon in Singapore with over 25 years of experience in designing and providing effective solutions for different orthopaedic problems. He specialises in spine surgery and has experience in endoscopic spine surgery and motion preservation spine procedures (artificial disc replacements).

Qualifications and Achievements
  • Head of Department, Department of Orthopaedics | NTFGH 2009 - 2018
  • Council member of the AOSpine East Asia group 2017 – 2020
  • Head of the Spine Division | NTFGH 2009 - 2023
  • Group Chief Medical Informatics Officer (GCMIO) | NUHS 2020-2023

Accreditations

Medisave & Insurance