Spinal cord tumors

Symptom of spinal cord tumors

The symptoms of intramedullary and extramedullary tumors are basically similar. They develop slowly, with symptoms gradually appearing and becoming worse. The symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor. Tumors in the neck are likely to cause symptoms in the arms such as numbness, pain, and muscle weakness. Tumors below the neck in the thoracic or lumbar regions do not cause arm symptoms, but in either location, symptoms may appear in the legs if the tumors grow larger. Patients start to stagger and become unable to walk. If they progress further, urinary difficulties (such as incontinence) appear.

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