Spinal Cord Tumor Prognosis

Spinal cord tumor prognosis is dependent on whether the tumor is benign or malignant, as well as how aggressively the tumor is growing, according to WrongDiagnosis.com. Prognosis may also depend on the severity of symptoms and complications, as well as the treatment used.

Scoliosis

• Spinal cord tumors may cause scoliosis. This curvature of the spine can cause spinal degeneration or decreased lung capacity.

Pressure

• Pressure from spinal cord tumors can affect sensitive tissues. This pressure can cause the patient's movement to be impaired.

Incontinence

• Spinal cord tumors can cause urinary and bowel incontinence. The loss of bowel or bladder control can lead to social isolation and depression.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy can be used to treat spinal cord tumors. Drugs are intravenously administered to kill cancer cells during this treatment.

Surgery

• If the doctor determines the tumor is operable, spinal cord surgery may be possible. Risks include paralysis or loss of sexual function.