What are the symptoms of spinal cord tumors in children?

Spinal cord tumors - abnormal tissue growths within or next to the spinal cord - are very rare, and can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Spinal cord tumors grow slowly, so symptoms typically appear gradually. Symptoms also vary from patient to patient, and can include the following:

• Chronic neck or back pain - This is the most common symptom. The pain can either be very localized or radiating. Your child may not show any symptoms until he or she experiences a minor injury, like a sports accident. If your child complains of chronic back pain that does not get better on its own or worsens, he or she should be examined and evaluated quickly.
• Vague or nonspecific complaints - These types of complaints are very frustrating for the parent, the child, and the doctor. This is because your child might complain of pain that does not seem to be related to the spinal cord - like stomach pain. Some children need to undergo extensive testing before a doctor is able to accurately diagnose a spinal cord tumor.
• Specific neurological complaints - As the tumors expand and create pressure within the spinal cord, normal neurological function is affected. These symptoms are sometimes confused with what are commonly called "growing pains."

Symptoms of specific neurological complaints can include:

• Decreased motor skills
• Muscle weakness, which can progress to paralysis without prompt intervention
• Sensory loss or numbness
• Pure sensory dysfunction, although this is very rare
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Spinal deformity - scoliosis occurs in up to one third of children with spinal cord tumors