How spine tumors affect the bodies of cancer patients | OSUCCC – James

How spinal tumors affect the whole body—and how Ohio State doctors respond with multidisciplinary treatment

Spinal tumors can create issues all over the body, which is why Ohio State experts work across disciplines to provide patients with world-class, comprehensive care.

In a general sense, spinal tumors can occur in one of two ways — primary, or those that originate in the spine, and others that begin in other parts of the body and then metastasize. The vast majority of cases involve the latter, metastatic variety.

“Approximately 20 percent of cancer patients will end up getting disease in the spine,” Vikram B Chakravarthy, MD, says. “Only one to two percent of patients get tumors that are primary to the spine.”

Because of the nature of the spine, these tumors can cause symptoms that affect many parts of patients’ bodies and can vary widely depending on their location.

“Oftentimes it starts with just trivial back pain — maybe feels as if you pulled a muscle, but it can progress to problems with your hands, including numbness, tingling and dysfunction, where you feel like you're dropping objects,” Chakravarthy says. “It can even progress to the problems with your balance — trouble walking, feeling like your legs are going to give out. If it's in the neck, it's more likely to affect your upper body, and if it's in the lower part of the back, it's probably more likely to affect your legs.”

When spinal tumors are diagnosed, OSUCCC – James meet to discuss treatment options for each case, combining skills to create therapy plans catered to patients’ individual needs.

“Here at The James, we approach spinal tumors in a multidisciplinary fashion,” Chakravarthy says.” So, we meet regularly on the spinal tumor board with our neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists, and we talk about these cases together to try to figure out what is the best way to personalize care for patients.”

Learn more about cancer care and research at The Ohio State University:

Follow The James on social media:

[christinacutlass]

Dr. Chakravathy removed a very nasty tumor from my t5 that had eaten away almost the entire vertebrae. I was facing paralysis or death! He did an amazing surgery, and I am forever grateful to him. He is also an incredibly kind and compassionate human being. He’s my earthly HERO!

[ithacacomments]

In the last year, my brother age 66 and my sister age 64, both have been diagnosed with kidney cancer that has metastasized to their spines.
They both have been on thyroid meds long-term. I read a research paper that said long-term use of thyroid meds can cause kidney cancer.

[felicemegano]

Im from Philippines 52 yrs of age i was diagnosed with spinal tumor 2yrs ago, im just poor and cannot afford surgery, treatment even medication...so maybe i will wait for the end of my time😢😭as of now i feel the pain all over may backbone, i cant walk and during night severe pain from my back and my whole legs from toe to my waist line up to my spine..😭😭I ENTRUSTED EVERYTHING TO GOD..

[ThePsychoAnon]

A spine crushed by cancer is so horrific I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I had one in my c3-7 and now I think I have one in my lower back. Worst pain I’ve ever had.

[Arjunkhurana]

My mother is suffering from it and I don't want to loose her plz help 😭

[radhanaidu]

Hi Dr, I have multiple mets in my spine, ongoing Herceptin treatment, any treatment for the mets in spine, I consulted a spine surgeon who told me nothing can be done.