Causes of Spinal Cord Tumors

Being told that you have a spinal cord tumor can be a challenging experience, and it is natural to have questions about its causes and potential prevention. A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that can occur in various parts of the body, including the spinal cord. Although the exact cause of a spinal cord tumor is not always known, there are some factors that can contribute to its development. However, it's important to note that in many cases, the development of such a tumor is not preventable.

Overall, spinal cord tumors are rare, but some are more common than others. There are 2 main types. Primary spinal cord tumors start by growing directly on the spinal cord, its protective tissues, or its nerve roots. Secondary tumors are caused by a tumor that developed elsewhere and subsequently spread to the spinal cord (metastatic disease).

A person's chance of developing a benign primary tumor in their lifetime is less than 1%, and malignant primary spinal tumors have an even lower chance of occurring. Secondary (metastatic) spinal cord tumors are more common. The most common cancers that can spread to the spine include lung and prostate cancer in men, and breast cancer in women. However, lymphoma, melanoma, and kidney cancer can also metastasize to the spine.

Experts do not currently have a clear understanding of what causes primary spinal cord tumors. There are no screening tests for spinal or brain tumors in patients who have not developed symptoms. The most common theory is that a defective gene causes the condition, but why these defects occur in the first place is still unknown. Some potential causes of primary spinal cord tumors include the following.

• Genetic Factors: Certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), and von Hippel–Lindau disease, are associated with an increased risk of developing a spinal cord tumor. These conditions involve specific genetic mutations that predispose individuals to tumor growth in the nervous system, including the spinal cord.
• Radiation Exposure: Previous exposure to radiation, either during medical treatment or for occupational reasons, has been linked to an increased risk of developing a spinal cord tumor. Radiation-related spinal cord tumors are relatively rare but can occur years after radiation therapy.

Secondary spinal cord tumors occur due to cancerous cells spreading from a tumor located in a different area through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. These cells can travel to the spinal cord and latch onto nerve cells, where they multiply until a tumor forms.

Spinal cord tumors can occur in people of any age or sex. Although most cases occur sporadically without a clear underlying cause, patients with certain genetic conditions, excessive radiation exposure, and/or previous history of cancer can be at increased risk of developing a spinal cord tumor.

The type of spinal cord tumor can also vary by age. For example, certain spinal cord tumors, such as ependymomas or astrocytomas, are more common in children, whereas other types, such as schwannomas or meningiomas, have a higher incidence in adults.

The exact spinal cord tumor itself cannot be inherited. However, in cases in which a known genetic disorder is involved, the gene mutation that contributed to its development might be passed down and increase the risk of a tumor forming on the spinal cord. The following are hereditary conditions known to be associated with spinal cord tumor development.

• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1): NF1, also known as von Recklinghausen disease, is a genetic disorder characterized by the development of tumors in the nervous system, skin, and other organs. It is caused by a mutation in the NF1 gene, and people with NF1 are at increased risk of developing various tumors, including neurofibromas, which are benign tumors that can develop along nerves, including those in the spinal cord.
• Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2): NF2 is another genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the NF2 gene. People with NF2 are prone to developing tumors in the nervous system, particularly in the cranial nerves that control hearing and balance. Although spinal cord tumors are less common in people with NF2 than cranial nerve tumors, they can still occur.
• Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease: VHL disease is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the VHL gene. It is characterized by the development of tumors in various organs, including the central nervous system. Individuals with VHL disease have an increased risk of developing tumors in the brain, spinal cord, eyes, kidneys, and other organs.

These genetic conditions are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, which means that affected people have a 50% chance of passing the mutated gene to their children. It's important for individuals with a family history of any of these conditions or those who have experienced related symptoms to undergo genetic counseling and testing for appropriate diagnosis, monitoring, and management in affected children.

Unfortunately, spinal cord tumors cannot be prevented. They often occur spontaneously with no clear cause. However, there are certain steps that you can take to maintain overall health and potentially reduce the risk of some types of tumors in general.

• Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being and potentially lower the risk of certain types of cancers; this lifestyle includes adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, and practicing safe sun exposure
• Occupational safety: If you work in an occupation that involves exposure to potential carcinogens or radiation, following proper safety protocols and wearing protective equipment can help minimize risks
• Genetic counseling: If you have a family history of any genetic condition associated with increased risk of spinal cord tumors, such as NF1, NF2, or VHL disease, genetic counseling and testing may be recommended
• Regular check-ups: Routine medical check-ups and screenings can help detect any abnormalities or early signs of a tumor; discussing your medical history and any concerns with your health care professional can ensure timely evaluation and appropriate investigation, when necessary

• The 2 main types of spinal cord tumor are primary tumors, which grow on the spinal cord, and secondary tumors, which occur as a result of cancer cells migrating to the spine
• Primary tumors are thought to be caused by genetic mutations that lead to a dysfunction in cell growth, but the exact cause of such mutations is unclear
• Certain hereditary conditions, such as NF1, NF2, and VHL disease, can lead to tumor growth in different areas of the body, including the spinal cord
• There is currently no known method for preventing spinal cord tumors

• American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS): Spinal tumors
• National Cancer Institute: Related organizations
• Cancer Support Community: Brain and spinal cord tumors
• Glioma Foundation Center
• Collaborative Ependymoma Research Network (CERN) Foundation