What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Meningioma of the Spinal Cord

What is Spinal Meningioma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Meningioma is a mostly benign and slow-growing tumor that arises from the meninges which is the membranous tissue encasing the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system or CNS). The meninges consist of three layers, namely the outer layer (dura mater), the middle layer (arachnoid mater), and the inner layer (pia mater); together, they form the protective lining around the CNS
• The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies meningiomas based on their behavior as benign (grade I), atypical (grade II), and malignant (grade III) tumors. The grade and histologic subtype of the tumor is determined by a pathologist after examining a tissue biopsy of the tumor, under a microscope. Meningiomas are also classified based on their sites of origin within the CNS
• While there may be a set of non-specific symptoms observed, certain symptoms are specific to the tumor location. The exact location of a meningioma is generally identified on the basis of radiological imaging studies. These factors, along-with the histopathological subtyping, help the healthcare provider in better understanding the tumor and planning treatment (surgical) approaches accordingly
• Meningiomas that develop in the spinal cord or within the bones of the spine are called Spinal Meningiomas. Many of these tumors are intradural (located within the dural sac), while few are extradural (outside the dura mater, but within the spine). Spinal Meningiomas are relatively uncommon and can develop anywhere along the length of the spinal cord; however, a majority of them involve the thorax (region between the neck and abdomen)
• The spinal region extends from the base of the skull (in the neck) to the tail bone. Along this length, a variety of spinal nerves with different functions originate from the spinal cord. Hence, depending on the level of spinal column involvement and associated nerves in the region by the tumor, the signs and symptoms may vary greatly from one individual to another
• Meningiomas of any histologic subtype i.e., belonging to WHO grade I (benign), WHO grade II (atypical), or WHO grade III (malignant) tumors may affect the spinal region. However, nearly 99% of the Spinal Meningiomas are grade I tumors. Based on several study reports, the following are the common subtypes of meningiomas noted in the spinal region:
  • Psammomatous meningioma: These are grade I and constitute nearly 70% of all Spinal Meningiomas
  • Meningothelial meningioma: These are grade I and constitute 15% of the cases
  • Angiomatous meningioma: These are grade I and constitute 7% of the cases
  • Transitional meningioma: These are grade I and constitute 7% of the cases
  • Grades II and III, atypical (such as clear cell meningioma) and malignant tumors respectively, constitute the remaining 1%
• WHO grade I tumors are low-grade slow-growing tumors that are not known to infiltrate into the surrounding tissues; they also offer a very high chance for surgery to be curative. WHO grade II tumors grow faster than grade I tumors but are not usually infiltrative. However, there is a possibility of tumor recurrence as a higher grade tumor after treatment. WHO grade III tumors are malignant and infiltrative; they also have a tendency to recur as a higher grade tumor (grade IV) following treatment
• Thus, the lower the tumor grades, the better are the outcomes. However, large-sized meningiomas, even if they are low-grade, can compress the surrounding structures causing significant signs and symptoms. Therefore, the size of the tumor is also an important determinant for treatment purposes and measuring overall outcomes
• The exact cause of Spinal Meningioma development is not well understood. The cause is associated with several factors including certain genetic abnormalities, past exposure to ionized radiation, hormonal factors in women, and a family history of meningiomas. A majority of the cases are reported in middle-aged and older women
• The signs and symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor. Spinal Meningiomas may cause pain at the site of the tumor, weakness in upper and lower limbs, one-sided paralysis, and loss of bowel or bladder control. Complications associated with malignant tumors include metastasis to other organs of the body
• Once diagnosed, the treatments for Spinal Meningioma may include a combination of minimally-invasive surgery (to reduce scarring and damage to the surrounding area), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, based on the healthcare provider’s assessment. In a majority, the prognosis is usually good since most of the Spinal Meningiomas are benign (WHO grade I tumor). Adults with higher grade tumors and aged over 75 years, may have worse prognosis

Who gets Spinal Meningioma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• It is reported that anywhere from 5% to 10% of all meningiomas are Spinal Meningiomas. They constitute about 40% of all benign tumors of the spinal cord
• The demographics of Spinal Meningioma are varied, and the following are noted:
  • Across several case studies, it is noted that these tumors are common in the age group of 50-70 years (sixth and seventh decade)
  • A large subset of cases have been also reported in the 75 to 84 years’ age group; some cases are recorded beyond the age of 85 years too
  • They are uncommon in individuals below 50 years of age. When in this age group, the mean age of presentation is 37 years
  • In the 40-70 years’ age group, between 80-90% of the tumors are diagnosed in women
  • Rarely, when children and young adults are affected, the tumor is often seen in the presence of neurofibromatosis type 2 (a genetic disorder), or other predisposing factors such as an injury to the spine or radiation exposure
• Both males and females are affected; overall, a high female predominance is noted
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected
• According to reports, a greater number of cases of Spinal Meningiomas are reported from the developed regions (US and European nations) as against the developing regions (countries in Asia)

What are the Risk Factors for Spinal Meningioma? (Predisposing Factors)

The following risk factors have been identified for Spinal Meningioma:

• Gender: Women in between the fifth and seventh decade show a very high incidence of these tumors
• Advancing age: Many of the tumors are reported in middle-aged and older adults
• Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2): It is a multisystem genetic disorder affecting the nervous system, skin, and skeletal muscles. Individuals with NF2 develop meningiomas in between 50-75% of the cases
• Exposure to low-dose and/or high-dose ionizing radiation
• Individuals, who have undergone radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region, are at an increased risk
• Hormonal factors: Studies have shown a correlation between hormones and meningiomas. An increased incidence of these tumors is noted in post-pubertal females compared to males. Histopathology studies have detected the presence of hormonal receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in a vast majority of meningiomas
• Trauma to the spinal cord (back), especially involving the vertebral column and meninges
• A positive family history of these meningeal tumors could place one at an elevated risk for the same

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Spinal Meningioma? (Etiology)

The exact cause of formation of Spinal Meningioma development is unknown. It is researched that certain genetic, environmental, and occupational factors may contribute towards the development of these tumors.

Per research, the following factors may have a role to play in the formation of Spinal Meningiomas:

• In individuals with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 who develop these tumors, involvement of the NF2 gene is observed
• In women, the role of estrogen is linked to aggressive tumors and more frequent recurrences
• Any injury to the back that may damage the bony structure or protective covering (meninges) of the spinal cord
• A prior history of exposure to ionizing radiation

It is possible that female hormones, exposure to ionizing radiation, or an inherited disorder of the nervous system, may cause abnormal cell divisions in the meninges. Studies to characterize these processes are currently underway.

In general, it is known that tumors form when normal, healthy cells begin transforming into abnormal cells - these cancer cells grow and divide uncontrollably (and lose their ability to die), resulting in the formation of a mass or a tumor.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Meningioma?

The signs and symptoms of Spinal Meningiomas may differ from one individual to another. It may be mild or severe, depending on several factors. The onset of symptoms and speed of progression of the tumor can vary. In some individuals, tumors that grow slowly and remain asymptomatic, are only diagnosed during certain radiological imaging studies of the head and neck region, which are performed for unrelated health conditions.

The spinal cord is divided into multiple segments, namely cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. There are:

• 8 cervical nerves
• 12 thoracic nerves
• 5 lumbar nerves
• 5 sacral nerves
• 1 coccygeal nerve

According to studies, Spinal Meningiomas arise from the following sections of the spine:

• Thoracic (mid-back) region, in over 75% of the cases
• Cervical (neck) region, in about 15% of the cases
• Lumbar (lower back) region, in 3% of the cases
• Cervico-thoracic and thoraco-lumbar junctions, to a lesser extent

Note: In younger individuals, nearly 40% of the tumors are known to affect the cervical spine.

Typically, the signs and symptoms depend on the spinal location of the tumor, grade of the tumor, and size of the tumor. The tumors may grow to fairly large sizes before exhibiting any symptoms, which can vary depending on the region of the spinal cord involved.

Some of the signs and symptoms of Spinal Meningiomas include:

• Local pain at the tumor site may be the initially recognized symptom; pain may be increased at nighttime, which may reduce during the day by activities such as walking, sitting, etc.
• Neck, chest, or back pain
• Spinal cord compression leading to numbness and pain
  • Nerve root compression (radiculopathy)
  • Compression injury to the spinal cord due to tumor (myelopathy)
• Weakness and pain in the arms and legs, depending on the nerves that are compressed by the tumor
• Body muscle weakness
• Overactive or overresponsive reflexes
• Partial or full loss of control over bowel and bladder function
• Gait disturbances, walking difficulty - see in about 80% of the cases
• Balance and coordination issues
• Loss of sensations that may include sight, hearing, smell and/or taste
• Personality changes
• Partial paralysis
• Other forms of neurological deficits

Malignant tumors are highly aggressive and infiltrative. In case of malignancy, the onset of signs and symptoms may be rapid.

Large tumors can cause significant signs and symptoms. Most of the tumors are single, but occasionally multiple tumors can be detected growing simultaneously (particularly in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 2), either in the brain region or in association with the spinal cord. The associated symptoms of the underlying condition, if any present, may be noted.

How is Spinal Meningioma Diagnosed?

A vast majority of meningiomas may remain undiagnosed because they are asymptomatic. Often, the slow appearance of symptoms (into old age) may result in the healthcare provider attributing the origin of such symptoms as part of a normal aging process. The slow development of symptoms, or a presence of mild symptoms, may also contribute to a delayed detection and diagnosis of these tumors. The tumors may be detected when there is a sudden worsening of symptoms prompting the healthcare provider to perform radiological studies of the spinal cord.

A diagnosis of Spinal Meningioma may include the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical examination with thorough evaluation of the individual’s medical history (including family history of NF2)
• Assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• Neurological, motor skills, and cognitive assessment:
  • Checking intellectual ability, memory, mental health and function, language skills, judgment and reasoning, coordination and balance, reflexes, sensory perceptions (space, sight, hearing, touch)
  • The healthcare provider/neurologist may use the Karnofsky Performance Scale in order to assess the neurological functioning of the individual’s central nervous system (CNS)
• Electromyography (EMG): An EMG shows the electrical activity of a muscle during rest and when they contract. Examining the electrical activities may help a physician observe any nerve damage caused by certain disorders/conditions
• Nerve conduction velocity (NCV): NCV shows the speed at which electrical signals move through a nerve. Slow nerve signal speed may indicate nerve damage
• Imaging tests including:
  • X-ray of the spine
  • Computerized tomography scan (CT scan) of vertebral column; CT with contrast
  • Magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI scan) of the spinal cord; MRI with contrast agents such as gadolinium
  • Cerebral angiographic studies or magnetic resonance angiography: An angiogram involves injecting dye into the bloodstream, which makes the blood vessels to appear visually on X-rays. The X-ray may show a tumor or the blood vessels leading into the tumor
  • Magnetic resonance spectroscopy: This radiological technique is used to study the chemical profile of the tumor. It is often performed with and compared to corresponding MRI scan images of the affected region
  • CT myelogram: It is a specialized diagnostic imaging procedure in which a special dye is injected into the surrounding areas of the spinal cord. X-rays or CT scan images are then taken to help a healthcare provider detect any spinal abnormalities
  • Positron emission tomography (PET scan): A PET scan is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses three-dimensional images to show how tissue and organs are functioning. It may be performed to detect any malignancy, and if there is a metastasis (spread) of the tumor to other regions
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, where a spinal tap or lumbar puncture procedure may be performed: This diagnostic test is used to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spaces in and around the spinal cord. The sample is removed from the lower spinal cord using a thin needle, and it is then checked for the presence of cancer cells

Tissue biopsy: A biopsy of the affected region (spinal cord) is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy sample under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy sample under a microscope by a pathologist is helpful in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis.

There are two ways to perform a biopsy:

• First, a biopsy can be performed as part of a surgical procedure to remove the spinal tumor
• Second, a stereotactic needle biopsy can be performed when the tumor is located in a sensitive area of the spinal cord. In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small hole to access the tumor. A thin needle, guided by CT or MRI scanning, is then inserted through the hole to help in the removal of tissue

A differential diagnosis (both radiological and pathological) to eliminate other conditions or tumor types may be considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Spinal Meningioma?

The possible complications associated with Spinal Meningioma include:

• Emotional and mental stress for both the patients and the caretakers, due to the diagnosis and treatment of a spinal cord tumor
• Large undetected tumors can severely affect spinal cord function and be disabling or even life-threatening, due to mass effect/compression of surrounding tissue
• Large tumors may also press against the vertebral bones causing it to expand or break easily when subjected to minor trauma including falls and accidents
• Trouble with concentration
• Dementia including personality changes causing a reduced quality of life
• Malignant Spinal Meningiomas may spread/metastasize to regions outside the spinal cord resulting in severe complications

Complications may arise from surgery, radiation therapy, or other treatment modalities. These may lead to long-term side effects, particularly in children and older adults.

Surgical complications:

• Damage to the muscles, vital nerves, and blood vessels, during surgery to remove the tumor; injury to unaffected the spinal cord region during surgery
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication
• Sometimes, removing the tumor can worsen the signs and symptoms in some individuals
• Infrequently, recurrence of the tumor after surgery is observed, due to incomplete tumor removal. The higher the grade of the tumor, the greater the chances of recurrence (and recurrences occur relatively quickly too). Malignant tumors often have very high recurrence rates

Chemotherapy side effects depend on the type of chemotherapy medication used and may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Increased risk for infections
• Easy bruising
• Infertility

Radiation therapy can cause short-term side effects. It depends on the type used and may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Dryness of mouth; loss of taste
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Skin color changes; usually darkening of skin on the face and neck may be noted
• Speech and hearing difficulties
• Memory issues
• Seizures

Long-term side effects (seen after 6 months or beyond) may include loss of memory, impaired brain function, and appearance of symptoms that mimic stroke.

Radiation-induced myelopathy: It is reported that anywhere from 1 in 20 to 1 in 500 individuals may develop this condition due to radiation therapy to treat the meningioma. The condition may develop within 6 to 24 months of treatment and is typically dependent on the dose of radiation therapy.

How is Spinal Meningioma Treated?

The treatment modality for meningioma is chosen, depending on the size, histological type (whether the tumor is benign, atypical, or malignant), location, and stage of the tumor, tumor growth rate, age and health status of the individual. Usually, tumors that are small, slow-growing and benign may be observed and no treatment necessitated, based on the healthcare provider’s assessment. Often, a multidisciplinary team of specialists including neurologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapy experts, and other healthcare professionals are involved in managing the condition.

The treatment measures for Spinal Meningioma may include:

• Wait and watch approach by the healthcare provider (typically for WHO grade I and II tumors):
  • Observation of the tumors is often recommended in individuals with small-sized tumors, slow-growing tumors, tumors with no significant signs and symptoms, elderly patients, individuals where treatment, such as surgery, may be too risky, and individuals, who do not prefer surgical treatment for a variety of reasons (opting out of surgery through personal preference)
  • This approach may not be advised in individuals where the tumor develops in the background of an underlying genetic condition such as neurofibromatosis
  • Recurring imaging scans may be taken to observe the rate of tumor growth; if the tumor is small and growing slowly, then there may be no need for invasive procedures
• Symptomatic treatment may involve the use of antiseizure medications, painkillers, steroids (to reduce inflammation), and administration of anti-depressants

Surgical treatment: Surgery to remove the entire tumor or just part of the tumor depends on several factors including the risk assessment by a neurosurgeon, with respect to the potential injury to nearby tissues. It is also considered based on the location, size, and overall health of the individual. A complete removal of the tumor can result in a cure in many patients. 

• In some individuals, the tumor is partially removed, so as not to cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in unwanted additional symptoms. A partial removal is usually considered in slow-growing grade I benign tumors
• Microsurgery: The surgery is performed using microsurgical techniques, which can help minimize damage to the accompanying nerve. Since the tumor mostly affects the covering around the nerves, it can be completely removed without affecting the nerve in most cases. The following techniques may be employed:
  • Subtotal removal; when the tumor is incompletely removed
  • Near total removal; when most of the tumor is removed and there is very little tumor remnants
  • Total tumor removal; when the tumor is removed completely
• Osteoplastic laminotomy: It is a minimally-invasive procedure to treat spinal cord tumors. The technique also helps minimize post-operative complications and provides increased spinal stability. If necessary, osteoplastic laminotomy may be followed up by a spinal column reconstruction procedure
• Laminectomy: An invasive procedure that is performed to relieve compression on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, caused by the tumors, by widening the spinal canal through removal of the laminae (part of the vertebra)
• In some cases, embolization of the tumor may be performed, in order to shrink the tumor size, before major invasive procedures are undertaken. In embolization, the blood supply to the tumor is cut-off, resulting in its shrinkage. This also helps reduce blood loss during a surgical resection
• Radiosurgery for individuals who cannot undergo surgery or have recurrent tumors
• Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals

Surgical procedures to remove spinal tumors carry risks, including infection, possible damage to adjoining healthy tissue, swelling, or possible inflammation of the spinal cord.

Radiation therapy: There are a variety of radiation therapy methods that can be used to treat the tumors. Radiation therapy is performed either after removal of the tumor (to destroy any remaining meningioma cells), or in individuals where surgical removal procedure is not an option. Radiation therapy is helpful to reduce the rate of recurrence. It is also recommended for individuals where the tumor is removed partially.

The types of radiation therapy include:

• Standard external radiation beam therapy using a beam of high-energy X-rays; it is the most common form of radiation therapy used to treat cancers
• 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, where 3-d images of the tumor are created using radiological imaging scans to help design appropriate radiation therapy beam size and angles
• Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT): It is a procedure that uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver precise radiation to a malignant tumor
• Stereotactic spine radiosurgery (SRS) using Gamma Knife or CyberKnife technique
• Proton radiation therapy: It is a form of external beam therapy using high-energy proton beams to destroy the tumor cells
• Fractionated radiation therapy: It is a good option for individuals whose tumors are too large for radiosurgery, or if the tumor is in a sensitive location. In this therapy, small doses of radiation are administered for a certain set period

Some individuals may experience a few side effects, while others may experience none. These may include fatigue, headaches, hair loss, and scalp irritation. In case of radiation myelopathy, the individual may be administered steroids or neurotransmitters (medications).

Chemotherapy: A large number of meningiomas (especially those classified as benign tumors) usually do not respond to chemotherapy. Hence, chemotherapy is not recommended as a treatment option for treating these tumors. However, the healthcare provider will determine if chemotherapy should be considered as a treatment option on a case-by-case basis.

• Chemotherapy may be beneficial in individuals diagnosed with atypical and malignant tumors. Whether to use chemotherapy as a treatment modality is determined by healthcare provider on case-by-case basis
• Chemotherapy for those tumors that are atypical and/or cannot be effectively treated by surgery or radiation therapy. The administration of some drugs may slow the rate of growth of the tumor

The following chemotherapy agents and methods have been used in atypical and malignant tumors with varying beneficial results:

• Immunotherapy to stimulate an affected individual’s immune system
• Somatostatin analogs which prevent the release of growth hormones
• Hydroxyurea, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitors, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors

There are side effects for chemotherapy, which depends upon the type and dose of drugs administered. The common chemotherapy side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, headache, fever, chills, and weakness.

Clinical trials: In certain tumors with advanced stages of tumor progression, there may be some newer treatment options, currently on clinical trials, which can be considered for some patients depending on their respective risk factors.

Regular observation and periodic checkups to monitor the condition is strongly recommended following treatment. In order to avoid a relapse, or be prepared for a recurrence, the entire diagnosis, treatment process, drugs administered, healthcare recommendations post-treatment, etc. should be well-documented and follow-up measures initiated.

How can Spinal Meningioma be Prevented?

Presently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent the formation of Spinal Meningioma. However, if it is associated with a genetic disorder, such as neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), the following points may be considered:

• Genetic counseling and testing: If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
• Regular health check-ups might help those individuals with a history of NF2 in the immediate family and help diagnose the tumor early

In general, the factors that can help reduce the incidence of meningioma and other brain tumor may include:

• Reducing exposure to radiation
• Avoiding cigarette smoke inhalation
• When feasible, it is recommended to decrease the frequency of oral X-rays
• Weight loss, in case one is obese or overweight; maintaining a good BMI
• Getting regular checkups following recovery from breast cancer or neurofibromatosis type 2
• Using safety gear including wearing helmets when playing sports or while riding two-wheelers
• Wearing seatbelts while driving automobiles to minimize the risk for head/body injury

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), currently there is no standard testing protocols available for meningioma.

Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations are mandatory. Often several years of active vigilance are crucial and necessary.

What is the Prognosis of Spinal Meningioma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Spinal Meningioma may vary considerably from one individual to another and is dependent on a set of factors.

• It is reported that most intradural tumors of the spinal cord are benign and a complete resection (total tumor removal) is usually possible
• In many cases, the prognosis is good with prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment, since a vast majority of Spinal Meningiomas are grade I benign tumors. The 10-year survival rate for benign spinal meningioma is around 96%
• The overall mortality rates for Spinal Meningiomas are less than 1%. Moreover, according to one large study, the recurrence rate was about 3% over a 6-year mean period 
• A poor prognostic indicator is age over 75 years. Also, morbidity from surgery is high in older individuals, particularly when extensive tumor calcification is observed
• When compared to older individuals, in younger individuals, the tumors are often high-grade and malignant. Such high-grade Spinal Meningiomas are reportedly more aggressive and do not portray favorable prognoses. The overall mortality rates, per one study, was nearly 10% in high-grade spinal meningioma seen in younger individuals

Specifically, the prognosis of Spinal Meningioma may depend upon the following factors:

• Tumor histology or grade of the tumor: The lower the grade, the better is the prognosis
• Age of the individual: Older adults generally have poorer prognoses than younger individuals. However, younger individuals often have higher grade tumors that result in poorer outcomes. But, the outcomes are excellent in children and young adults with low-grade tumors
• Extent of residual tumor in the body following a surgical resection: A complete surgical excision with entire tumor removal presents the best outcome. In some cases, large portions of the tumor may be removed; or, only a small portion for tissue biopsy
• Location of the tumor is an important prognostic factor: Tumors at certain sites involving the central nervous system are more difficult to surgically excise and remove. They can also cause considerable neurological damage at certain sites in the spinal cord
• Functional neurologic status based on neurological evaluation of the patient: A higher score on the Karnofsky Performance Scale indicates a more favorable outcome
• Metastatic spread, in case of a malignant tumor: Spread of the malignancy to other body sites portrays a poorer prognosis

In general, the prognosis of a spinal tumor may depend upon several factors, which include: 

• Stage of tumor: With lower-stage tumors, when the tumor is confined to site of origin, the prognosis is usually excellent with appropriate therapy
• Overall health of the individual: Individuals with overall excellent health have better prognosis compared with those with poor health
• The size of the tumor: Individuals with small-sized tumors fare better than those with large-sized tumors
• Presence of certain genetic abnormalities
• Histological subtype of the tumor
• Individuals with bulky disease may have a poorer prognosis
• Involvement of other vital organs may complicate the condition
• The ease of accessibility and surgical resectability of the tumor (meaning, if the primary tumor can be removed completely). This is an important prognostic factor
• Whether the tumor is occurring for the first time or is a recurrent tumor. Recurring tumors have worse prognosis compared to tumors that do not recur 
• Response to treatment and absence of post-operative complications: Tumors that respond to treatment have better prognosis compared to tumors that do not respond to treatment
• Progression of the condition makes the outcome worse

An early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the tumor generally yields better outcomes than a late diagnosis and delayed treatment.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Spinal Meningioma:

Please visit our Cancer & Benign Tumor Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/