Intraspinal tumors refer to primary and metastatic tumors that grow within the spinal cord itself and adjacent structures in the spinal canal (such as nerve roots, dura mater, adipose tissue, and blood vessels). These tumors can occur in any segment of the spinal cord or the cauda equina, with the thoracolumbar region being the most common site. They predominantly affect adults aged 20–40, with a slightly higher incidence in males than females. Clinically, they are characterized by progressively worsening limb numbness, weakness, radicular pain, and difficulties with urination and defecation. Most intraspinal tumors are benign, and approximately three-fourths can be cured through surgical resection.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. The onset is usually slow and progressively worsens. 2. Radicular pain is common and often worsens during sleep or when lying flat. 3. Numbness and weakness occur below the level of the lesion. 4. Bladder and bowel dysfunction. 5. Advanced-stage tumors in the high cervical region may lead to quadriplegia and respiratory impairment. 6. Tumors in the conus medullaris and cauda equina often cause saddle anesthesia.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. The onset is slow, with symptoms and signs of radiculopathy and spinal cord damage. 2. Lumbar puncture shows subarachnoid space obstruction, with increased cerebrospinal fluid protein content and normal cell count. 3. Myelography reveals obstructive imaging. 4. CT and MRI scans detect tumor lesions in the spinal canal. 5. Spinal X-ray examinations often show corresponding bone changes.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Surgical removal of the tumor. This is the only effective treatment for intraspinal tumors. 2. For malignant tumors after surgery or those unable to tolerate surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy is recommended. **Expert Advice:** Most intraspinal tumors are benign, and surgical outcomes are favorable, so an active approach to surgery should be adopted. Currently, there are no medications that can eliminate intraspinal tumors. Early detection and timely surgery are crucial. For unexplained progressive limb numbness or weakness, difficulty with urination or defecation, or back or lumbosacral pain that does not improve or worsens when lying flat (note the need to differentiate from lumbar disc herniation), the possibility of an intraspinal tumor should be considered. Seek prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

1. Cure: The tumor is completely removed; signs of neurological impairment show significant improvement or have basically returned to normal. 2. Improvement: Partial tumor removal or decompression surgery is performed; neurological function partially recovers, but the patient still cannot care for themselves. 3. No recovery: The tumor is not removed, and neurological function does not recover.

bubble_chart Differentiation

Attention should be paid to distinguishing it from lumbar disc herniation.