The concern about feeling a lump and whether it could be a spinal tumor is understandable, but the complex anatomy of the spine provides a reassuring answer. True spinal tumors, which are abnormal growths of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord or spinal column, are typically situated deep within the body. The ability to feel a mass with your hand depends entirely on its location relative to the skin’s surface.
Spinal tumors are classified based on where they originate inside the spinal column: extradural (outside the dura mater), intradural-extramedullary (inside the dura but outside the spinal cord), or intramedullary (inside the spinal cord tissue itself). These layers of tissue, including the spinal cord, its protective membranes, and the bony vertebrae, are all shielded by significant layers of muscle, fat, and skin. This deep positioning makes palpation of the tumor itself virtually impossible, even for a trained physician.
What a person can feel along the back are the spinous processes, which are the bony knobs protruding from the back of the vertebrae. These normal anatomical structures are often mistaken for abnormal growths when felt through the skin. A tumor would have to be exceptionally large and push aggressively outward through the dense muscle and bone to become superficially palpable, a presentation that is highly uncommon for growths originating deep within the spinal canal.
Lumps You Can Feel: Distinguishing Superficial Masses
If a person feels a lump or bump on their back, it is highly likely to be a common, benign, or superficial mass unrelated to the spinal cord. These masses form in the skin or the subcutaneous tissue just beneath it, making them easily accessible to touch. Such lumps do not involve the deep structures of the spine and require medical evaluation.
Common causes of palpable lumps near the spine include:
- Lipomas, which are soft collections of fatty tissue that grow slowly just below the skin. They are usually movable and do not cause pain.
- Epidermoid or sebaceous cysts, which are sacs filled with keratin protein that form when a hair follicle or oil gland becomes blocked or damaged.
- Muscle knots, also known as trigger points, which are tense bands of muscle fibers often resulting from injury or strain.
- Synovial cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the facet joints of the lower spine.
Seeing a healthcare provider is the only way to distinguish between these common, superficial masses and a more serious, deeply situated issue.
Primary Indicators: Neurological Symptoms and Pain
Since spinal tumors are rarely detectable by hand, they are primarily identified through the functional effects they have on the nervous system as they grow. The most common symptom is persistent back or neck pain that does not resolve with rest and is often described as dull, aching, or burning. This pain may be particularly noticeable or worsen at night or when the person is lying down.
As the tumor expands, it begins to compress the spinal cord or the nerve roots branching off it, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. Compression can cause loss of sensation, including numbness or tingling, which often radiates into the arms, legs, or chest depending on the tumor’s location. Muscle weakness is also a frequent development, often manifesting as difficulty walking, stumbling, or trouble with balance and coordination.
In more advanced cases, the compression of the nerves can affect the autonomic functions of the body. This may lead to changes in bowel or bladder function, such as difficulty controlling urination or defecation. Because these symptoms reflect pressure on the central nervous system, they are the most reliable indicators suggesting the need for immediate medical investigation.
Medical Confirmation and Diagnosis
When a spinal tumor is suspected based on a patient’s symptoms, a medical professional initiates a detailed diagnostic process to visualize the deep structures that cannot be felt. This evaluation typically begins with a thorough physical and neurological exam to test reflexes, strength, and sensation. Advanced medical imaging is then required to confirm the presence and precise location of any growth.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered the most reliable method for evaluating all spinal tumors due to its superior ability to visualize soft tissues like the spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding tissues. Often, a contrast agent is injected into the vein during the MRI to enhance the visibility of the tumor and help distinguish it from other structures.
Computed Tomography (CT) scans may also be used, particularly to assess the bony structure of the vertebrae, while X-rays can help evaluate spinal alignment.
If imaging confirms the presence of a tumor, a biopsy is often performed to determine the exact type of growth, which guides treatment planning. This procedure involves removing a small tissue sample, often using a needle guided by CT or X-ray imaging, for examination by a pathologist. If persistent pain or progressive neurological symptoms are present, consulting a healthcare provider without delay is necessary.