What is a spinal and spinal cord tumor? Symptoms and treatment methods
Spine and spinal cord tumors, which can manifest with symptoms such as weakness in the legs, pain, incontinence of urine or large toilet, can be confused with hernia, especially due to these findings. In the treatment of spinal and spinal cord tumors, which can cause very serious health problems such as paralysis, a multidisciplinary approach carried out by many branches is important.
WHAT IS A SPINE AND SPINE CORLINE TUMOR?
After the spinal cord emerges from the skull, it progresses within the bones of the spine up to the coccyx in the waist. Benign or malignant tumors may occur in the spinal cord itself or in the membrane structure that covers its surroundings. “What is a tumor in the spinal cord?”, “What is a spinal cord tumor?”, “What does a tumor in the spinal nerve mean?” Such questions are among the topics that patients wonder. Unlike spinal cord tumors, tumors of the spinal cord and spinal cord are tumors that develop inside the brain. Tumors in the spine and spinal cord can be benign as well as malignant tumors. The majority of tumors that appear in the spine surrounding the spinal cord are tumors that occur as a result of metastasis. Breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer are the most common cancers that metastasize to the spine.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SPINE AND SPINE CORLINE TUMOR?
“What are the symptoms of spinal and spinal cord cancer?” , “How do spinal and spinal cord tumor effects occur?”, “What are the first signs of spine and spinal cord tumor?”, “How to understand the symptoms of spine and spinal cord tumor?” , “How to understand a dorsal tumor?”, “How to detect a lumbar tumor?” Such questions are among the topics that patients wonder.
In tumors originating from the spine and spinal cord, the symptoms may be sudden onset or may progress gradually.
The first sign of a spinal and spinal cord tumor may appear as weakness in the legs. In tumors that develop in the spine in the form of a tumor of the spinal cord itself or metastases, weakness in the legs occurs to a great extent due to the compression of the spinal cord. This weakness can progress in untreated patients.
Sudden onset spine and spinal cord tumor symptom is a sudden feeling of weakness. Symptoms such as paralysis and inability to hold the legs can occur very quickly.
Toilet problems such as incontinence of the patient’s urine and stool can be a sign of spinal and spinal cord tumors. The first signs of a spinal and spinal cord tumor can often be overlooked because they can be similar to a herniated disc.
Pain comes to the fore in the slowly progressing symptoms of spinal and spinal cord tumors. The pain experienced in the patient’s back can progress day by day. Spine or spinal cord tumor may be missed in low back pain that is not well examined.
In cases where the symptoms of spinal and spinal cord tumors progress slowly, the history of the tumor can go back even 5 years.
In addition to these symptoms, symptoms related to the main focus of the cancer may also be experienced with the tumor originating from metastasis, which is usually seen on the spine. Symptoms such as weight loss, nausea – vomiting, loss of appetite may differ according to the cancer causing metastasis.
In the presence of bone involvement in spinal tumors, symptoms such as pain and weakness may occur due to the deterioration of the stability of the spine.
The feeling of numbness due to the pressure of the tumor on the spinal cord may be a symptom of a spinal and spinal cord tumor.
The symptoms of spinal and spinal cord tumors in children are generally as follows:
Since children cannot express their complaints more clearly than adults, complaints such as pain and weakness should be taken into account. Although children do not consider all pain or weakness as a spinal or spinal cord tumor;
If a toilet-trained child starts to wet the bed again, it is important to perform the necessary examinations as a sign of spinal and spinal cord tumor.
The fact that a child who walks, runs or plays normally begins to fall and wobbles can also be a sign of a spinal and spinal cord tumor.
Pain in children can be confused with growing pains.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SPINE AND SPINECOR TUMORS?
“Why does spine and spinal cord tumor occur?”, “Why does spinal and spinal cord tumor occur?”, “What are the causes of spinal and spinal cord tumors?”, “How does spinal and spinal cord tumor occur?” Such questions are among the topics that are curious. The causes of spinal cord tumors are not fully known. Although its pathophysiology is not known exactly, it is thought that it may occur due to genetic reasons. The vast majority of spinal tumors are metastatic tumors. Most of the metastases are lung and breast cancer.
HOW IS A DIAGNOSIS OF THE SPINE AND SPINE CORLINE TUMOR DIAGNOSED?
“How to identify a spinal and spinal cord tumor?” The question is among the questions asked by the patients. In general, the diagnosis of spinal and spinal cord tumors is made by radiological imaging and biochemical blood tests.
For the diagnosis of spinal and spinal cord tumor, the doctor may request some radiological imaging after the examination,
– Radiography ie x-ray
– Bone scan scintigraphy
– Computed Tomography (CT)
– Magnetic Resonance (MR)
In cases where the tumor is close to the surface, needle aspiration can be performed to determine from which tissues it originates or whether there is metastasis. With this method, the treatment can be shaped by sending the piece taken to the pathology.
In patients with spinal and spinal cord tumor symptoms, blood tests are performed to detect the presence of another tumor.
Performing radiological examinations with a special drug called contrast agent can clearly reveal the region where the tumor is located, as well as its size and the nerves it compresses.
Sedation or general anesthesia should be used in the diagnosis of spinal and spinal cord tumor in children. This method is preferred because it is difficult for children to stay still in Magnetic Resonance (MR) or Computerized Tomography (CT).
HOW TO TREAT THE SPINE AND SPINE CORDLING TUMOR?
“Can spine and spinal cord cancer be cured?” , “How is the treatment of spine and spinal cord tumor?”, “What are the treatments for spine and spinal cord tumors?”, “Is there a treatment for spinal and spinal cord cancer?” Such questions are among the topics that are curious.
In general, in the treatment of spine and spinal cord tumors; surgical method, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments are used. The treatment options and sequence to be applied may differ according to the patient, the type of tumor and its location. Planning is very important before starting treatment. The treatment can be shaped according to the patient’s condition, the size of the tumor and the region where it is located. In some patients, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are applied first, while in some patients surgical treatment comes to the fore.
Treatment of spinal and spinal cord tumors; It is carried out in a multidisciplinary approach consisting of different branches, including anesthesiologists experienced in medical oncology, radiation oncology, neurosurgery, interventional radiology, neurosurgery.
When starting spine and spinal cord tumor treatment, it should be evaluated whether there is a problem with the patient’s spine strength. Fractures may occur in the spine due to the tumor, and both the tumor tissue and the fracture may exert pressure on the spinal cord. First of all, the patient’s spine structure should be ensured. In order to strengthen the spine and ensure that the patient can continue his social life as smoothly as possible, screwing surgery, which is known as platinum among the people, is actually titanium.
Initial treatment for patients with spinal cord injury
approach, prevention of patient’s nerve injury
and then completely improved.
Our treatment option depending on the type of injury
wearing only a collar, a special so-called Halo jacket
an orthosis may be placed. In many cases, surgery
intervention may be necessary. Surgical intervention decision
the presence of non-spinal injuries of the patient and
given by type.
In spinal tumors that occur through metastasis, it should be evaluated whether the patient’s primary cancer is under control. If the expected life expectancy of the patient is long, more effective treatments may come to the fore for the tumor arising in the spine and spinal cord.
In a small group of spinal tumors, which generally manifest as metastases, the entire tumor can be removed. In metastatic spine tumors that cannot be completely removed, methods such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be used to enable the patient to continue his social life more comfortably.
In tumors originating from the spinal cord itself; The location of the tumor is very important rather than how aggressive it is. There is a great difference between surgery for a spinal cord tumor located in the neck and surgery for a spinal cord tumor located in the coccyx. Surgery close to the neck area has serious risks such as respiratory paralysis.
Advanced technology radiotherapy devices can be used before or after surgery in the treatment of spine and spinal cord tumors. Generally, positive results can be obtained in slowing down the development of benign tumors, stopping their growth and regressing them.
Surgery for spinal and spinal cord tumors is very delicate. Since it is a region where the nerves that run the whole body are located, advanced technology should be used in the surgery of spinal cord tumors. Neuromonitoring, which is used in such risky surgeries, can minimize possible complications.
It is not always possible to remove the entire tumor in spine and spinal cord tumors surgery. Removal of the entire tumor should be avoided if removal of the entire tumor will harm the patient. By removing the tumor at the maximum level, options such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be considered.
What are the types of spinal and spinal cord tumors?
Spine and spinal cord tumors can be classified according to the tissues of origin.
– Tumors originating from neurons, that is, nerves, are tumors originating from the spinal cord itself.
– Tumors arising from the tissues and membranes surrounding the spinal cord.
– There may be tumors originating from the spine, that is, the bone structure.
Tumors originating from within the spinal cord are generally divided into two.
1. Astrocytoma
2. Ependymoma
Where does the spine and spinal cord tumor originate?
After the spinal cord exits the brain, it travels inside the spine to the coccyx. Spine and spinal cord tumors can occur anywhere along this axis. Spinal and spinal cord tumors can be seen in the neck spine or neck spinal cord, in the vertebrae surrounding the thoracic cage and on the spinal nerves in this region, as well as in the lumbar region to the coccyx. Most of the tumors seen on the spine are tumors that occur as a result of metastasis. Some of the spinal cord tumors can be seen more in certain regions. While some types of intraspinal tumors seen in adults are more common in the neck region, they can be seen in the spinal cord in the chest and lumbar region in children.
How is spine and spinal cord tumor surgery performed?
Spine and spinal cord tumor surgeries are performed as open surgery with microsurgery method. Endoscopic method is not preferred in spine and spinal cord tumor surgery. Since two-dimensional images are obtained in endoscopic surgeries and a very small area is intervened, open surgery gives more successful results in spine and spinal cord tumor surgeries.
First of all, if the spine or spinal cord tumor is in a close area in terms of accessibility, a biopsy is performed by taking a piece by needle aspiration method. In this way, information about the type of tumor is obtained.
Spine strength is checked. It is evaluated whether there is pressure on the spinal cord. If necessary, a method called spine screwing is used to ensure the stability of the spine.
The biggest problem of patients with spinal tumor metastases is pain. In some patients, it may not be possible to operate the tumor. In these cases, surgical methods can be applied to relieve the patient’s pain.
In tumors originating from the spinal cord itself, the tumor is removed by open surgery using microsurgical methods. The risks that may occur in spine and spinal cord tumor surgery should be minimized by using the most advanced technology possible. The Neuromonitoring device used in these surgeries warns the neurosurgeon about the risky areas during the surgery.
Tissues removed in spine and spinal cord tumor surgery are sent to pathology, and the treatment is shaped.
How long does spine and spinal cord tumor surgery take?
Spinal cord tumor surgery takes about 4-5 hours. In some tumors, surgical methods such as removal and reinforcing of the spine can be applied. Depending on the location, size and type of the tumor, the duration of the operation can be up to 12-15 hours. Likewise, according to the location and size of the tumor, a cardiac surgeon, general surgeon or urologist may accompany the neurosurgeon during the operation.
What are the risks of spine and spinal cord tumor surgery?
Spinal and spinal cord tumors are tumors prone to bleeding. In some cases, interventional radiologists can perform vascular procedures before surgery to reduce bleeding during the surgical procedure.
As with all surgeries, there is a risk of infection in spine and spinal cord tumor surgeries.
Particularly in extensive tumors, risks of internal organ damage, damage to large vessels, and injury to the kidneys or urinary tract may occur.
Initial treatment for patients with spinal cord injury
approach, prevention of patient’s nerve injury
and then completely improved.
Our treatment option depending on the type of injury
wearing only a collar, a special so-called Halo jacket
an orthosis may be placed. In many cases, surgery
intervention may be necessary. Surgical intervention decision
the presence of non-spinal injuries of the patient and
given by type.
Paralysis is among the risks that can be experienced in spine and spinal cord tumor surgeries. However, this risk is minimized with the advanced technology used in the surgeries.
As a result of the nerves being affected, problems such as urinary incontinence and incontinence can be seen.
Is there any pain after spine and spinal cord tumor surgery?
Patients may experience severe pain after spine and spinal cord tumor surgeries. However, taking this situation into consideration before the surgery, the use of strong painkillers is planned.
What happens if spine and spinal cord tumor surgery is not performed?
Not having spinal and spinal cord tumor surgery or delaying other treatments causes the tumor to progress. Symptoms related to spine and spinal cord tumor progress day by day. The tumor, which initially appears with a complaint of pain in one leg, can later affect the other leg. Tumor-related complaints begin to appear sequentially and the process may progress to paralysis. Depending on the region where the tumor is located, paralysis can affect the neck or the lower back.
Is there any herbal treatment for spine and spinal cord tumor?
There is no scientifically proven herbal or natural treatment for spinal and spinal cord tumors.
What should be considered after spine and spinal cord tumor surgery?
The type of tumor should be determined by the pathological procedure to be performed after the operation of the spine and spinal cord tumor, and a treatment protocol should be applied to the patient accordingly. It is important not to neglect the controls after the surgical procedure.
Medications to be used should not be neglected.
In terms of nutrition, attention should be paid to a balanced diet in terms of protein, carbohydrates and fats.
Wound care and keeping the wound clean are important in terms of infection risk.
Which department should be visited for spine and spinal cord tumor surgery?
Another issue that patients wonder about is which department to go to for spine and spinal cord tumor surgeries. Spinal and spinal cord tumor symptoms can often be confused with herniated disc. For this reason, patients go to the brain, nerve and spinal cord surgery department because of the symptoms that have already occurred. It is the same department to go to for spine and spinal cord tumor surgery. Well-equipped hospitals should be preferred in order to minimize the problems that may occur both during and after the operation in spine and spinal cord tumor surgeries.
How long does recovery take after spinal cord tumor surgery?
Recovery after spine and spinal cord tumor surgeries may vary depending on the type of tumor, the region where it is located, and the patient’s response to treatment. In general, patients can return to their social lives approximately 3 weeks after spine and spinal cord tumor surgeries.
How is benign spinal cord tumor treated?
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not used in the treatment of benign spinal cord tumors. Most of the benign spinal cord tumors can be completely removed surgically. In these patients, patients can continue their normal lives without the need for any other treatment after surgery. However, more than one tumor may occur in spinal and spinal cord tumors caused by some genetic diseases. In such cases, the number of tumors may increase over the years. Even if the tumor is surgically removed, it can occur again after a certain time.
Are spinal and spinal cord tumors dangerous?
“Is spinal and spinal cord tumor fatal?”, “Is there a risk of death from spinal and spinal cord tumor?”, “How long does spinal and spinal cord cancer live?”, “Does spine and spinal cord tumor kill?”, “How much is spinal and spinal cord cancer? lives?”, “How long is the life expectancy of spinal and spinal cord cancer?” Such questions are among the topics that patients wonder.
Spinal tumors are usually metastasized tumors from a different cancer. In these patients, there are situations that differ from patient to patient, depending on the response to treatment.
In cases where brain tumors spread rapidly, it is possible to lose the patient, but spinal cord tumors differ from other tumors in this regard. If the spinal cord tumor is located in an area close to the brain, heart or respiratory center, there may be a risk of death. However, other than that, spinal cord tumors can cause the patient to have a stroke over time, if not treated, not to die. Even if the patient has a spinal cord tumor, he can continue his life, but if he does not receive the necessary treatment, he is at risk of not being able to use his limbs over time and paralysis from the neck or waist down depending on the region of the tumor.
Does spinal cord tumor metastasize?
Tumors that develop within the spinal cord usually do not metastasize. If some childhood brain tumors are on the circulation path of the cerebrospinal fluid, there may be tumor flow towards the spinal cord. However, tumors originating from the spinal cord do not usually metastasize.
Does spinal and spinal cord tumor cause leg pain?
The first sign of a spinal and spinal cord tumor is usually leg pain or weakness in the legs. In cases where the necessary treatment is not applied, the problem may spread to both legs over time.
Does spinal and spinal cord tumor cause headache?
Complaints caused by spinal and spinal cord tumors are usually related to the area of involvement. Therefore, spinal and spinal cord tumors do not cause headaches.
What are the stages of spinal cord cancer?
The staging of spinal and spinal cord tumors is generally 4 stages, as in other cancers.
Does spinal and spinal cord tumor paralyze?
Spinal and spinal cord tumors can cause paralysis. In particular, untreated or delayed treatment of spinal and spinal cord tumors can cause paralysis over time, or they can develop suddenly and cause paralysis. Paralysis may develop from the neck down or from the waist down, depending on the region where the spinal cord and spinal cord tumor is located.
Is spinal and spinal cord tumor physical therapy applied?
Physical therapy can be applied to support the treatment of spine and spinal cord tumors. If patients experience loss of function in their hands or feet after surgery, positive results can be obtained with physical therapy.
Is spine and spinal cord tumor radiation therapy applied?
Radiotherapy, that is, radiation therapy, can be used in the treatment of spine and spinal cord tumors. This may differ depending on the condition of the patient and the tumor. In some patients, radiotherapy is used before the surgical procedure, while in some patients it may be preferred after the operation. Positive results can be obtained with advanced technology radiotherapy devices.
Is spinal and spinal cord tumor drug treatment applied?
It is possible to use drugs in two ways in the treatment of spine and spinal cord tumors. If chemotherapy is to be applied in the treatment planning, drugs can be used for the pain experienced in addition to the drugs given by the oncologist who is an expert on this subject.
Is spinal and spinal cord tumor obvious from blood test?
Spinal tumors, which usually originate from metastases, may be evident from a blood test, but tumors originating from the spinal cord itself are not apparent from a blood test. Radiologic methods such as Magnetic Resonance (MR), Computed Tomography (CT) are used for diagnosis in these tumors.
Does spinal and spinal cord tumor recur?
Some benign spinal cord tumors with a genetic predisposition recur. Malignant tumors can also recur in the area where they are located.
What can be done for pain in spine and spinal cord tumor patients?
In spinal and spinal cord tumors, pain is tried to be controlled with strong painkillers both before and after surgery. However, in some patients, surgical procedures based on cutting the nerve causing pain can be applied for pain that cannot be relieved with painkillers. In this case, the patient can continue his normal life, but does not feel pain.
