{"id":11604,"date":"2026-03-23T06:30:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T05:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/?page_id=11604"},"modified":"2026-06-20T13:00:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T11:00:16","slug":"spinal-cord-tumors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/spinal-cord-tumors\/","title":{"rendered":"Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors \u2014 Symptoms, Diagnosis, Surgery and Prognosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Author:<\/span>\n \n Dr. Zeljko Kojadinovic, MD, PhD\n <\/a>\n \u2014 Consultant Neurosurgeon\n <\/div>\n\n
\n Specialized Experience:<\/span>\n 30 years of clinical expertise in neurosurgery.\n <\/div>\n\n
\n Last medically reviewed:<\/span>\n May 28, 2026\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Who This Spinal Cord Tumors Page Is For<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n This page is intended for patients diagnosed with a tumor of the spinal cord (intramedullary tumor), as well as for individuals in whom MRI has revealed spinal cord enlargement, an intramedullary lesion, or an unclear finding requiring further evaluation.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Tumors of the spinal cord often progress slowly but may lead to significant neurological impairment if diagnosis or treatment is delayed. Patients are frequently faced with difficult questions regarding the timing of surgery, expected neurological recovery, the role of radiotherapy, or whether observation remains safe. Medical recommendations may differ between centers, particularly when symptoms are mild but imaging findings appear significant.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n If spinal cord surgery has been proposed, neurological symptoms are progressing, or MRI findings remain difficult to interpret, an individualized\n \n neurosurgical second opinion\n <\/a>\n may help clarify diagnosis, urgency of treatment, surgical risks, and the safest therapeutic strategy based on tumor type, spinal cord involvement, and overall neurological condition.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n When patients seek a second opinion for spinal cord tumors\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n \u2022 An intramedullary spinal cord tumor or unclear lesion has been detected on MRI, but its biological nature or treatment urgency remains uncertain\n <\/div>\n
\n \u2022 Surgery has been recommended, yet expected neurological recovery or potential risks have not been clearly explained\n <\/div>\n
\n \u2022 Radiotherapy has been proposed, but it remains unclear whether surgical removal or decompression should be performed first\n <\/div>\n
\n \u2022 Progressive weakness, walking instability, sensory loss, or bladder dysfunction suggest possible spinal cord involvement\n <\/div>\n
\n \u2022 Different specialists recommend observation, surgery, or radiation therapy without clear agreement\n <\/div>\n
\n \u2022 Neurological symptoms persist or worsen after previous spinal cord tumor treatment or surgery\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n Not every spinal cord tumor requires immediate surgery, but delayed treatment in the presence of spinal cord compression may lead to permanent neurological impairment.\n When diagnosis, treatment timing, or surgical strategy remain uncertain, careful neurosurgical evaluation becomes essential.\n If your situation involves uncertainty regarding diagnosis or treatment planning, you may request an individualized neurosurgical review here:\n \n Request Second Opinion\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\n Tumors of the Spinal Cord \u2014 Quick Summary (Read This First)\n <\/h3>\n\n
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  • Spinal cord tumors, also called intramedullary tumors, develop within the spinal cord itself; the most common types are ependymoma and astrocytoma.<\/strong> Even small lesions may affect movement, sensation, or bladder function because functional spinal pathways are directly involved.<\/li>\n\n
  • The most common spinal cord tumors are ependymomas and astrocytomas.<\/strong> Treatment strategy differs primarily according to tumor biology, particularly between ependymomas and astrocytomas.<\/li>\n\n
  • Symptoms usually develop gradually.<\/strong> Persistent, poorly localized back pain \u2014 frequently worse at night or at rest \u2014 is often the earliest symptom, while progressive weakness, gait disturbance, numbness, and coordination problems appear as spinal cord pathways become increasingly affected.<\/li>\n\n
  • Neurological deficits may remain minimal or absent for a long time despite tumor growth.<\/strong> \nBecause many intramedullary tumors grow slowly, the spinal cord can temporarily adapt, allowing tumors to become large before clear symptoms appear. \nIn such situations, treatment decisions may be complex, since neurological function may temporarily worsen after surgery even when intervention is necessary to prevent permanent spinal cord damage.<\/li>\n\n
  • MRI with contrast is the essential diagnostic examination.<\/strong> It determines tumor location, extent of spinal cord involvement, and surgical planning.<\/li>\n\n
  • Not all spinal cord tumors require immediate surgery.<\/strong> \nApproximately 10\u201320% of patients may initially undergo observation when neurological function is stable and imaging shows no progression, although many of these tumors eventually require surgical treatment during follow-up.<\/li>\n\n
  • Surgery is recommended when neurological deficits progress or tumor growth is documented.<\/strong> The goal is maximal safe removal while preserving spinal cord function.<\/li>\n\n
  • Temporary neurological worsening after surgery may occur.<\/strong> Recovery often develops gradually over weeks or months as the spinal cord recovers.<\/li>\n\n
  • Radiotherapy may be required after incomplete removal or in higher-grade (more aggressive) tumors.<\/strong> Treatment strategy depends on tumor type and neurological condition.<\/li>\n\n
  • Neurological outcome depends strongly on timing of treatment.<\/strong> Earlier intervention generally provides better functional recovery.<\/li>\n\n
  • The primary treatment goal is preservation of neurological independence and long-term tumor control.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n

    \n Most readers benefit from reviewing this Quick Summary together with the sections on Symptoms<\/strong>, Diagnostic Imaging<\/strong>, and Surgical Treatment<\/strong>. Later sections provide more detailed explanations intended for patients seeking a deeper understanding before treatment decisions are made.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n