neurologic disorders
Spinal Tumors
Diagnosis of Spinal Tumors
MRI Patients with segmental neurologic deficits or suspected spinal cord compression require emergency diagnosis and treatment. The following symptoms and signs may suggest spinal tumors: Progressive, unexplained, or nocturnal back (ie, biologic) or radicular pain Segmental neurologic deficits Unexplained neurologic deficits referable to the spinal cord or nerve roots Unexplained back pain in patients with a history of cancer Diagnosis of spinal tumors is by MRI of the affected area of the spinal cord. CT with myelography is an alternative; it can help localize the tumor but provides less information than MRI. Other spinal masses (eg, Spinal Epidural Abscess , Spinal x-rays, taken for other reasons, may show bone destruction, compression fractures, destruction of the vertebral pedicles, or distortion of paraspinal tissues, especially if the tumor is metastatic. Biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis. 