Spinal Cord Tumors

Diagnosis

Spinal cord astrocytoma

Enlarge

A complete medical history and physical examination are critical to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord tumors. At Mayo Clinic, neurosurgeon-led teams use high-field-strength MRI scanners, CT scans and myelograms to identify tumor location and visualize the suspected tumor. This technology also ensures that small tumors are not overlooked.

Results generally are available within 24 hours of testing. Once a tumor is found, a biopsy (tissue sample) is done and the tissue is analyzed by a neuropathologist to determine the type of tumors and the most appropriate treatment.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  MRI uses magnetic fields and radio energy instead of X-rays to create images. MRI is much more commonly used than CT scan for imaging the spine. MRI can often distinguish accurately between healthy and diseased tissue and yields better pictures of tumors located near bone than CT. Scans can be reconstructed to create a 3-D image of the tumor. A contrast agent that causes tumors to enhance (light up) may be used.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
  A CT scan creates a sectional view of the body and is often combined with a myelogram.
• Myelogram
  During a myelogram, a special dye that absorbs X-rays is injected into the spinal cord. This dye outlines the spinal cord but is blocked by a tumor, which shows as a dark area or narrowing on the X-ray.

Learn more about brain tumor diagnosis.