Cancerous masses, in general, are more common among older people. A tumor in the cervical spine or neck may be a primary tumor, or the first cancer growth experienced by an individual, or the tumor may indicate lymph node involvement from another primary cancer source, notes The Merck Manual Online Medical Library. Diagnosing a cervical spine tumor can be difficult and may be delayed because early signs and symptoms can be very subtle and medical professionals may not suspect it right away, notes the University of Southern California Center for Spinal Surgery.
Pain
According to the University of Southern California Center for Spinal Surgery, the most common symptom of individuals with a cervical spine tumor is neck pain. In fact, over 80 percent of spine tumors present with pain, notes NeckSurgery.com. In addition, pain is one of the earliest symptoms to present, notes the Cervical Spine Research Society. The pain is often unrelenting in nature, as well as particularly distressing at night. This pain is not relieved by rest or other usual precautions. In fact, neck pain that does not resolve by normal means should be addressed by a health care professional. In addition to neck pain, individuals can experience pain in the arm, shoulder or leg if the tumor affects the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Stiffness
Individuals with a cervical spine tumor may also have neck stiffness. A stiff neck means there is tightness or rigidity in the muscles of the neck. Neck stiffness can also contribute to the pain individuals normally experience with a cervical neck tumor. In addition, a stiff neck may also result in individuals having decreased range of motion in the neck, or less neck mobility, notes USC Center for Spinal Surgery. Neck stiffness can range from a mild discomfort and slight difficulty moving the neck to severely painful, where the individual is incapable of bending or moving the neck.
Weakness or Numbness
As the tumor continues to grow or advance, an individual may describe sensations of numbness, tingling or a "funny feeling" in the arms, according to the Cervical Spine Research Society. Patients may also experience muscle weakness in these areas. This occurs when the tumor is causing the compression of the spinal cord or nerves. In addition, if the tumor puts pressure on the spinal cord itself, spasticity and decreased sensitivity or abnormal sensations can result, notes NeckSurgery.com. If the legs are particularly affected, the individual may experience a decreased ability to walk normally, notes the Cervical Spine Research Society. In addition, bladder and bowel problems may result.
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