What does a mass on your back mean?

A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord and/or spinal column. These cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, seemingly unchecked by the mechanisms that control normal cells. Spinal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

What does a tumor feel like in your back?

Spinal tumor pain may feel like an achiness or discomfort deep within the back, rather than feeling painful on the surface or skin. Sharp or shock-like pain.

Are muscle tumors cancerous?

Soft tissue sarcomas are cancerous (malignant) tumors that originate in the soft tissues of your body. This illustration shows a soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh muscle just above the knee. Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the tissues that connect, support and surround other body structures.

How fast do spinal tumors grow?

Tumors that have spread to the spine from another site often progress quickly. Primary tumors often progress slowly over weeks to years. Tumors in the spinal cord usually cause symptoms, sometimes over large portions of the body. Tumors outside the spinal cord may grow for a long time before causing nerve damage.

What’s the difference between a tumor and a mass?

A tumor is a mass or lump of tissue that may resemble swelling. Not all tumors are cancerous, but it is a good idea to see a doctor if one appears. The National Cancer Institute define a tumor as “an abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should.”

Can a back xray show a tumor?

Spine X-rays provide detailed images of the bones of the spine, and can be taken separately for the three main parts of the spine. Conditions that may show up in spine x-rays include fractures, tumors and arthritis.

How quickly do spinal tumors grow?

What does a sarcoma tumor look like?

Soft-tissue sarcoma usually looks like a rounded mass beneath the skin surface. The skin is usually unaffected. The mass may be soft or firm. If the mass is deep, the arm or leg may appear larger or fuller than the other side.

Can tumor be cured?

Some brain tumours grow very slowly (low grade) and cannot be cured. Depending on your age at diagnosis, the tumour may eventually cause your death. Or you may live a full life and die from something else. It will depend on your tumour type, where it is in the brain, and how it responds to treatment.