- Patients
- Exploring cancer care
- Conditions we treat
- Spinal cancer
What is spinal cancer?
Chapter 01
What is spinal cancer?
Cancer that starts in the spine is known as primary spine cancer. It is a rare disease caused by cancerous cells that form tumours in the spinal column (backbone) or spinal cord (nerve tissue inside the spine).1,2
Cancer can also start in other parts of your body and spread to your spine. This is known as secondary (metastatic) cancer and is more common than primary spine cancer.1,2 If you or a loved one have secondary spine cancer, you may benefit from reading this information together with information about your primary cancer.
Spinal cancer is an umbrella term for many different types of cancer that can form in the bones, tissue, fluid or nerves of the spine.2 These are examples of cancer types that may affect the spine:2
- Osteosarcoma - this type of cancer usually starts in the cells that form bones
- Multiple myeloma - this is a type of cancer that starts in a plasma cell (a type of white blood cell), and then builds in the bone marrow
- Lymphoma - is a type of blood cancer that occurs when abnormal white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the lymphatic system grow in an uncontrolled way. It can form in any part of the body that has lymph tissue
- Chordoma - is regarded as being a rare and slow growing type of bone cancer that usually occurs in the bones of the spine or the skull
- Ewing sarcoma - generally regarded as being a rare type of cancer which forms in any kind of bone or in the soft tissue around the bones
The symptoms of spinal cancer can vary according to the type and location of the cancer. Symptoms may include:1,3
- Back or neck pain which may be felt in other parts of the body as well, and including pain caused by pinched nerves
- Unexplained change in bowel or bladder function
- Muscle weakness or numbness and tingling
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Back pain that may be more painful during the night
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have spinal cancer. If you are concerned or would like further information, please speak with your GP or specialist.
There is no clear reason for what causes spinal cancer. There are a number of risk factors however, including:3,4
- Inherited syndromes, that may include neurofibromatosis 2 and Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- Radiation therapy during childhood
- A weakened immune system
- Exposure to certain chemicals that may include ionising radiation
Diagnosis
Chapter 02
How is spinal cancer usually diagnosed?
If you meet with your GP and they are concerned about any of your symptoms or risk factors, they may refer you to a specialist. Tests to diagnose spinal cancer may include:3
- Physical examination
- Blood tests – A blood test can help test for abnormal levels of substances in your blood, which may include calcium and alkaline phosphatase. This may be the first step in helping understand more about any potential changes in your body.
- Biopsy - This involves the removal of a small sample of bone or tissue for examination in a laboratory to determine if the tumour is benign or malignant, and if it is malignant, then what type of cancer it is, how advanced, and if it's growing and spreading. A biopsy can require surgery however may be done with a needle in some circumstances.
- Imaging scans - These scans may include an x-ray of the spine, a bone scan, a computed tomography (CT) scan, a myelogram, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. These scans aim to check for any potential abnormalities within the spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding spine (bony and soft tissue), and whether the cancer may have spread to any other parts of the body.
Treatment options
Chapter 03
Treatment options for spinal cancer
The recommended treatment options for spinal cancer usually depend on the type of cancer, how advanced it is, location of the tumour, individual patient circumstances and preferences. Treatment options may include one or a combination of the below:
- Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments1,3
- Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that is intended to help your own immune system fight cancer. There are different types of immunotherapy for cancer that work in different ways3
- Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages1,3
- Surgery – Surgery for spinal cancer may be combined with other treatments. It may involve complete or partial removal of a tumour1,3
- Steroid treatment – Steroids may be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy treatment3
- Targeted therapy – This type of treatment is designed and aims to attack specific cancer cells. Targeted therapy medicines mimic antibodies that our bodies naturally produce that target and attach to proteins on cancer cells, making it easier for our immune system to find and destroy the cancer3
Side effects
Chapter 04
Potetial side effects
Side effects of cancer treatment
All cancer treatments may have side effects. The type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals.3,5,6 You can ask your doctor for detailed information about the side effects which you may experience with any treatment recommended for you.
Recommendations to help you stay well during treatment
- Rest when needed – it is important to acknowledge when you are fatigued and rest when you need to5,6
- Aim to maintain a healthy diet,5 and we also encourage you to think about eating foods that interest you rather than what you think you should eat
- Appetite changes are common, and you may experience taste changes or nausea. Help manage this by eating small, frequent snacks and avoiding smells that make you nauseous5
- Drink adequate water5
- Reach out to support groups and others who have had cancer treatment6
- Record your side effects in a diary or journal7
- Speak to your doctor about incorporating some gentle exercise into your weekly routine5,6
- Ask for and accept help from family, friends and neighbours6
- Be open with employers about your treatment and discuss flexible working options if you need them
Your treatment with GenesisCare
Chapter 05
Learn more about patient care at GenesisCare
We understand that a cancer diagnosis may be emotional and life-changing. Even before your initial meeting with the GenesisCare team, you may experience a wave of emotions. It’s natural to feel disbelief, anxiety, sadness, anger and loneliness.8
The GenesisCare team will aim to know your name and to get to know who you are as a person. Your nursing team and oncology team are here to support you before, during and after your cancer treatment. We are here to help guide you to access the support you need which may include a psychologist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian.
Please contact your local GenesisCare centre for more details on the services available. View a list of our centres here.
Helpful services
Chapter 06
Other helpful services
Further cancer information, resources and support services are available to assist you during your cancer journey. These may include:
Cancer Council
Cancer Council is Australia’s leading cancer charity, supporting families, advocating for the community, empowering cancer prevention, and advancing detection and treatment methods across all cancer types.
Australian Cancer Research Foundation
The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) funds cutting-edge cancer research by providing scientists with advanced technology and infrastructure to improve cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
Rare Cancers Australia
Rare Cancers Australia is a charity whose purpose is to improve the lives and health outcomes of Australians living with rare and less common cancers.
Read Next
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Our centres
In Australia, we have more than 40 oncology centres in metro and regional Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
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Our doctors
Our experienced, specialised doctors offer bespoke, dedicated care aiming to provide the best possible clinical outcomes.
Treatment
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages.
Disclaimer
Any medical procedure or treatment involving the use of radiation carries risks, including skin irritation and associated pain. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.
References
- Amadasu E, Panther E, Lucke-Wold B. Characterization and treatment of spinal tumors. Intensive Care Res 2022;2:76–95. Access from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44231-022-00014-3
- Kumar N et al. An overview of the tumors affecting the spine—inside to out. Neurooncol Pract 2020;7(1):i10–i17. Access from: https://academic.oup.com/nop/article/7/Supplement_1/i10/5987753
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [website]. Brain and spinal cord tumors. Last reviewed Nov 2023 [Cited Feb 2024]. Access from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/brain-and-spinal-cord-tumors
- American Cancer Society [website]. Risk factors for brain and spinal cord tumors. Last updated May 2020 [Cited Feb 2024]. Access from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Nutrition for People Living with Cancer. Last updated July 2022 [Cited Feb 2024]. Access from: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/nutrition-and-cancer-booklet
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Exercise for people living with cancer. Last updated March 2019 [Cited Feb 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Understanding Chemotherapy. Last updated August 2022 [Cited Feb 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Emotions and cancer. Updated Nov 2022 [Cited Feb 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/emotions-and-cancer-booklet
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