Spinal cord tumors can be either benign or malignant growths in the spinal cord. They can cause compression of the spinal cord and nerves, leading to paralysis if not addressed urgently. Diagnosis involves imaging tests and biopsy. Treatment depends on the type and location of the tumor, and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination. Nursing care focuses on neurological monitoring, managing increased intracranial pressure if present, maintaining proper positioning, and supporting respiratory and nutritional needs.

1. SPINAL CORD
TUMOR
MR. KUSH JOSHI

2. DEFINATION
Spinal cord tumor is a cancerous growth
in the spinal cord which may be benign or
malignant. If the tumor presses against the spinal
cord or nerve roots urgent medical attention is
needed as the compression of the nerves can lead
to paralysis even if the tumor is benign.

3. TYPES OF SPINAL CORD TUMOR
There are mainly two types of spinal cord
tumor:-
1. Primary spinal cord tumor
2. secondary spinal cord tumor
Tumors that start in spinal tissue are
called primary spinal tumor. Tumors that spread
to the spine from some other place (metastasis)

4. CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
• Exact cause is unknown
• Genetic defects may increase the risk of getting
spinal cord tumor but research is being carried out
into possible causes.
• Spinal cord tumors are much less common than
brain tumors.

5. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
•Symptoms are caused by pressure on the spinal
cord and nerve roots. Pressure on the spinal cord
may cause the following:-
- Back and neck pain that progressively worsens
- Numbness, tingling and weakness or paralysis in
either the arms or legs or both
- Decreased sensation

6. • Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Difficulty in walking
•Muscles contractions or spasms
• Clumsiness ( poor coordination in movement or
actions)
• Pressure on the spinal cord may also block the blood
supply to the cord, resulting in death of tissues,
fluid accumulation and swelling.
• Pressure on spinal nerve roots can cause pain,
numbness, tingling, weakness in area supplied by
the compressed nerve roots.

7. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
• History collection and physical examination
• Neurological examination
• Special imaging techniques such as CT scan, MRI
scan and positron emission tomography are also
performed
• Biopsy ( an examination of tissues removed from
a living body to discover the presence, causes or

8. •Spinal tap- lumbar puncture is also known as
a spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a
needle is inserted into the spinal canal, most
commonly to collect cerebrospinal fluid for
diagnostic testing. It mainly helps to diagnose
disease of central nervous system including
brain and spine.

9. MANAGEMENT
• Surgery:- surgery may be needed to relieve
compression on the spinal cord. Some tumors can
be completely removed. In other cases, part of the
tumor may be removed to relieve pressure on the
spinal cord. A surgical technique called a
decompressive laminectomy is sometimes
performed to relieve pressure within spinal canal.

11. • Radiotherapy:- radiotherapy uses high energy
rays to destroy the cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy:- it include the use of cytotoxic
drugs that destroy cancer cells. Ex., Azathioprine,
bleomycin, irinotecan, lomustine and melphalan. (
cytotoxic drugs inhibit cell division and in this way
cause cancer cells to die)

12. NURSING MANAGEMENT
• Continuously assess patient’s neurologic status
• Monitor and record vital signs every 2 to 4 hourly
or as ordered.
• Monitor ICP( intracranial pressure), use strict
aseptic techniques.

13. • Observe for signs of increased ICP:- decrease level
of consciousness, restlessness, visual and other
sensory disturbances, headache, vomiting,
seizures and papilledema ( optic disc swelling due
to increased intracranial pressure)
• Monitor intake and output chart
• Maintain the head of the bed at 15 to 30 degrees
to reduce cerebral venous congestion.
• Maintain a quiet environment to increase patient’s
pain tolerance.

14. • Place patient in upright position to obtain greater
lung expansion and improve aeration.
• Perform chest physiotherapy to remove mucus.
Teach slow, pursed lip breathing to reduce
airway obstruction
• Provide small, frequent meals that neutralize
gastric secretion and may be better tolerated.

16. THANK YOU…