Tumour on spine

My daughter has a big growth on the top of her spine. It's about 8cm across and 4cm deep on the surface. We will be having an ultrasound next week. This has been growing for three years, that we were aware of it. It just looks like normal skin but it's very hard to touch. I did bring it up with medical staff before but at that point I was told it was nothing to worry about. Our pediatrician consultant told us today it feels like bone or muscle. She says not to worry but this big mass is growing on her spine! I feel 100% this is a tumour. I mean o could be wrong, I hope I am. 

She's had all these horrible symptoms over the years too. Non-epileptic seizures, muscles spasms that last for 11 hours a day so she can't move at all, spacial awareness problems. They did say that was dystonia now OT and the doctors are backtracking on this somewhat. She is going into hospital on Sunday night for investigations. They have said a few days but possibly longer. That was for intensive therapy to help her walk again but with everything that's going on I knew an MRI on the brain was discussed and MRIs on her wrists and feet as they get locked in horrible positions. 

I guess I just want to know if all this points to a tumour? Like could this be what's caused the mobility issues? What are the figures and studies on spine tumours, even if it's not cancer would they still do chemo? Could they even remove the growth as it's in a high risk area? If it can't be removed I'm assuming they would do chemo to shrink it? I mean I'm imagining all sorts here which I shouldn't be doing. But it seems obvious they would have to remove it, especially as it's clearly growing. 

  • Welcome to the forum Lisa although I'm sorry for the reason you've joined us.

    I know you have questions you desperately want answers to but unfortunately no-one here can tell you what this is but hopefully you'll be a step closer to finding out when she goes in for her investigations this evening.

    We have many parents here who will really understand what you're going through at the moment so hopefully you'll receive some support from them soon but in the meantime make a note of everything you've asked here so you can discuss this with her medical team.

    I really hope the tests confirm what the pediatrician consultant told you and your daughter will be on the road to recovery soon.

    Best wishes to you both, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator