What are vertebral bone tumors?

Vertebral bone tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Vertebral or spine bone tumors are rare and should be addressed as soon as possible to rule out cancer or begin cancer treatment for the most effective results. Spinal tumors can affect the bone or the spinal cord and often result in back pain. However, not all back pain is a result of vertebral bone tumors. There are different types of vertebral bone tumors including:

Benign tumors:

• Osteoid osteomas – Often found on the posterior or back side of the vertebra during adolescence, accounting for approximately 10% of vertebral bone tumors.
• Osteoblastoma – Larger versions of osteoid osteomas (2 cm or greater), are typically more aggressive, and may come back after treatment.
• Aneurysmal bone cysts – Also referred to as ABC tumors that affect the cervical spine (neck) and may be discovered in older adolescents.
• Giant cell tumors – Usually affect the front of the vertebral body (spine) are sometimes known to spread to other areas. They are most often diagnosed in individuals between 20-40 years of age.
• Eosinophilic granuloma – Sometimes called EG, this form of bone tumor causes the vertebra to collapse or flatten and may occur in children or adults.
• Enchondromas – These tumors are made up of cartilage and may enlarge or impinge on the spinal canal or nerves.

Malignant tumors:

• Metastatic disease – Malignant tumors can metastasize or spread to surrounding organs like the breast, prostate, kidneys, thyroid, and lungs, as well as the spine. Usually at this point, cancer has been growing inside the body for quite some time.
• Myeloma – Known as a common form of bone tumor affecting adults over the age of 40, this condition may affect more than one bone and is incurable. However, palliative care is offered to manage pain and other symptoms.
• Osteosarcoma – The second most common form of tumor affects young adults and older adults specifically.
• Leukemia – May be present in the neck or back or the bone marrow of the spine. Fever, fatigue, brushing, or excessive bleeding may be noticeable symptoms of leukemia early on before spinal pain develops.

Symptoms of Vertebral Bone Tumors

Pain is the most reported symptom of vertebral bone tumors. However, well before spinal pain develops, you may notice weight loss, fatigue, or neurological symptoms like loss of bowel and bladder control or physical changes like lumps or bumps somewhere on the body. If you notice these symptoms without any other explanation, see your physician as soon as possible for testing to rule out cancer or vertebral bone tumors.

How is vertebral bone tumor pain managed?

Treating vertebral bone tumor pain typically begins with addressing the tumor either by radiation or surgical intervention, depending on the exact type of cancer. However, sometimes tumors can lead to chronic pain that interferes with your life. In these instances, and when conservative pain-relieving treatments fail to provide adequate relief, Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates offers minimally invasive treatments to help. At MSSP, our outpatient pain management treatments help reduce bone tumor pain so that you can get on with your life and enjoy once-loved activities again. The minimally invasive treatment that is right for you will depend on your pain level and your overall health status.

Treating Vertebral Bone Tumor Pain in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson TN

Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates can help reduce vertebral bone tumor pain with minimally invasive treatments performed on an outpatient basis (no hospital stays). Learn more about treatment for chronic neck or back pain by scheduling a consultation with Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates by calling (662) 284-8565.