Spinal tumors may not be all cancerous, but they may cause pain and discomfort, disrupting your daily life. As they develop, they may spread to other parts of your spine, leading to severe problems. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment if you start having signs. There are several spinal tumors Edison treatments that will help eliminate the growth of tumors and restore to you the quality of your life.
What is a spinal tumor?
A spinal tumor develops from the abnormal growth of tissues within the spine’s bones or the spinal canal. Spinal tumors may be less prevalent than brain tumors, and they can either be cancerous or noncancerous. We may classify spinal tumors depending on where they grow on your spinal cord. They may be in the cervical, lumbar, thoracic, and sacrum areas of your spine. Tumors developing and affecting the bones of the spinal column are vertebral tumors. We may also classify them according to their location:
- Intramedullary tumors
This form of spinal tumor begins within your spinal cord itself. You may develop any of the two common types of intramedullary tumors: Astrocytomas and Ependymomas.
- Extramedullary tumors
This growth of tumors starts in your spinal cord or nerve root membrane. They may cause a malfunctioning of the spinal cord by leading to compression of the spinal cord and other problems. The forms of extramedullary tumors include meningioma, neurofibromas, and nerve sheath tumors.
You may have tumors that spread to the network around your spinal cord or even the spinal cord itself. They cause pain and, if not treated early, may lead to paralysis and permanent disability.
What are the symptoms of a spinal tumor?
You may experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Back pain
- Pain where the tumor is developing
- Muscle weakness; may be mild or severe depending on the part of your body.
- Loss of sensation
What is the diagnosis and treatment of a spinal tumor?
You may have to undergo a thorough medical examination as it is possible to overlook a spinal tumor. Your doctor will review your medical history and perform tests. These tests include CT scans, MRI tests, and a Biopsy to help develop the proper treatment for you. After your diagnosis is complete, your treatment may start immediately. Treatment may include:
- Surgery
You may need a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. The team at Jeff Pan, MD, uses highly advanced and modern surgical equipment to access and remove tumors with minimal damage. Your doctor may also use high-frequency sound waves to break tumors and eliminate the fragments during surgery.
- Radiation therapy
Your doctor may recommend radiotherapy to remove the remaining tumors after surgery. This therapy may also effectively treat tumors where surgery may be a risky option. Your doctor may recommend medications to help with the side effects.
You may start to improve after a few weeks and may need regular visits to your doctor for checkups.
Call Jeff Pan, MD, or make your appointment online if you want to see a doctor over spinal cord concerns.
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