A friend has recently been diagnosed with a spinal tumour and is now paraplegic. This is the fourth tumour he has had. I Know he now has no use of his legs, urinary and bowel movements
With the loss of function below the waist what happens to the operation of the internal organs, such as digestive system, pancreas, kidneys. Does the damage in the spine also stop them working or is that controlled by further up the spine in reacting to other signals.
DearsB2015
Thank you for getting in touch through our online community. I’m Gillian one of the Macmillan cancer information nurse specialists on our support line.
I am sorry to hear about your friend’s diagnosis and the challenges he is facing. This must be incredibly difficult for both of you.
Sometimes cancer can spread to the bones of the spine or the tissues around the spinal cord. This is called secondary cancer or metastatic cancer. When cancer presses on the spinal cord, it can cause Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) which affects how the nerves work.
When someone becomes paraplegic because of a spinal tumour or compression, the loss of movement and sensation below the waist doesn’t mean the internal organs stop working, but their control can be affected. Most organs, such as the stomach, pancreas, and kidneys, continue to function, but the communication between the brain and these organs is disrupted.
This can lead to slower digestion, constipation, and changes in bladder and bowel control. The kidneys usually keep working, but bladder emptying often becomes difficult. The pancreas generally continues its role, though digestion and metabolism can change due to reduced nerve regulation and activity.
I understand this is a lot to take in, please don’t hesitate to give one of our nurses a call to chat things through.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other information or support needs, the Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.
Best wishes
Gillian
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref:SMG/GG
