Spinal Tumor Causes and Risk Factors

Spinal tumors are abnormal tissue growths in or around the spine. Primary spinal tumors develop in a spinal bone (vertebra) or neural component. Secondary spinal tumors begin in another part of the body, such as a breast or lung, and then spread (metastasize) to the spine.

In addition to neck or back pain, a spinal tumor can cause neurological symptoms, such as numbness, muscle weakness and tingling sensations in the arms or legs. Treatment can vary based on the size, type and location of the tumor. Common options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

What causes spinal tumors?

Primary spinal tumors are relatively rare, and their causes are not well understood. Scientists believe the tumors most likely result from a complex interplay of genetics, environmental exposures, behaviors and other unidentified factors. In general, the causal mechanism damages cellular DNA and disrupts normal cell growth processes in the spine, leading to uncontrolled cell reproduction and tumor development.

Secondary spinal tumors are caused by cancer metastasis, which occurs when cancerous cells break away from the primary tumor in another part of the body. The rogue cells then enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, circulate throughout the body and establish a new tumor in the spine.

What are the risk factors for spinal tumors?

There are several known risk factors for spinal tumors. Some of these characteristics, behaviors and exposures can controlled, while others cannot.

Spinal tumor risk factors that can be controlled

Certain spinal tumor risk factors can be controlled to some extent. These include:

• Exposure to harmful substances – Known carcinogens associated with spinal tumors include ionizing radiation, certain chemicals and other hazardous materials used in some occupational settings.
• Unhealthy lifestyle practices – Five major risk factors for many types of cancer, including spinal tumors, include tobacco use, physical inactivity, obesity, poor diet and alcohol consumption.

Spinal tumor risk factors that cannot be controlled

Some spinal tumor risk factors cannot be controlled. These include:

• Genetics – Inherited cancer predisposition syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, tuberous sclerosis, von Hippel-Lindau disease, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, Turcot syndrome and Cowden syndrome, cannot be changed.
• Advanced age – The risk of developing many types of tumors, including spinal tumors, generally increases with age.
• Cancer history – Breast, lung and prostate cancer have a known propensity to metastasize to the spine.
• Immunosuppression – Certain medical conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and medical treatments, such as medications administered to prevent organ rejection after a transplant, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cancer, including spinal tumors.

Can spinal tumors be prevented?

Due to the complex and often genetic nature of primary spinal tumors, many aspects of their prevention are largely out of individual control. However, certain strategies focused on reducing the risk of cancer in general can help prevent secondary spinal tumors. These include:

• Making positive lifestyle choices – Maintaining a healthy body weight, consuming a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, managing stress and avoiding tobacco can promote good health and reduce cancer risk.
• Limiting exposure to harmful substances – Avoiding unnecessary radiation treatment and following all appropriate safety guidelines in occupational settings can help reduce exposure to carcinogens linked to spinal tumors.
• Seeing a physician regularly – Routine medical check-ups and screenings can help detect abnormal changes and medical conditions that may be precursors to spinal tumors, allowing for early intervention.
• Managing known risk factors – Regular monitoring and medical management can help detect and treat early signs of spinal tumor development in an individual with a genetic cancer predisposition syndrome.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt’s highly acclaimed Neuro-Oncology Program is a hub for talented researchers and clinicians from around the world. Working together, we continue to develop and refine the standard of care for spinal tumors, and we are proud to have a robust portfolio of clinical trials. Our outstanding progress to date is recognized by the National Cancer Institute in the form of a Comprehensive Cancer Center designation. We take a bench-to-bedside approach to cancer care, quickly incorporating our research breakthroughs into new treatment options for the benefit of our patients.

If you would like to learn more about spinal tumor causes and risk factors, you can request an appointment with a specialist in our Neuro-Oncology Program by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.