Back discomfort caused by a musculoskeletal condition is usually the first indicator of a spinal tumor. Suppose you are a victim of spinal tumors in Huntington, Smithtown, or West Islip, NY, George Kakoulides, MD, could provide you with the most innovative and efficient care. Dr. Kakoulides, a board-certified neurosurgeon, has extensive experience surgically eradicating spine tumors whilst simultaneously overseeing your overall medical treatment. If you have any concerns or would like to arrange a consultation, contact the nearest office through mobile or book online today.
What Forms of Spinal Tumors Are There?
Whenever cells in and surrounding the spinal cord develop out of control, it results in a tumor. There are two types of spinal tumors: primary and secondary.
Primary Tumors
Primary tumors start in the spine and can be malignant or benign. They hardly grow outside of the central nervous system. They might emerge from the spinal column’s bones, the spinal cord’s coverings, or the nerves and spinal cord itself.
Secondary Tumors
Metastatic cancer, which starts in another body area and develops to your spinal cord, causes secondary tumors.
What Symptoms Do Spinal Tumors Cause?
The most prevalent symptom of malignant and benign tumors is back pain. You could experience discomfort in your arms, feet, legs, hips, or as well as other symptoms including:
o Neck or back pain.
o Sensation loss in your legs or arms.
o Tingling and/or discomfort which travels down your legs and/or arms.
o Muscle weakness in your legs or arms gets worse with time.
o Walking difficulties, leading to falls.
o Deficiency in bladder or bowel functionality.
o Decreased sensitivity to cold and heat.
o Spinal malformation because of a bid tumor.
You could also have variable degrees of paralysis in the body portion related to the tumor-affected spinal nerves.
What Are the Options for Treating Spinal Tumors?
Following a CT or MRI scan to verify its position, Dr. Kakoulides could propose closely monitoring a benign tumor if your symptoms are modest and the tumor is not developing or extending.
Surgical care options are determined by factors including whether the tumor is metastatic or primary, as well as the tumor’s position.
The following is how a spinal tumor is classified:
Extradural
Extradural tumors are those that grow outside of the spinal cord and its protective layer, the dura. Extradural tumors account for around 55% of all spinal tumors- frequently triggered by metastatic cancer.
Your care options might entail chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery based on the form of an extradural tumor. Lymphoma, for instance, responds favorably to radiation therapy.
Intradural-extramedullary
Tumors that are outside the spinal cord, inside of the dura are known as intradural-extramedullary tumors. The majority of these growths are harmless. Meningiomas start in the spinal cord sheathing, whereas schwannomas and neurofibromas start in the nerve roots.
Intradural-extramedullary tumors are hard to eliminate, yet they are usually treatable using surgery.
Intramedullary
Intramedullary tumors are found inside the spinal cord and make about 5% of spinal tumors. Hemangioblastomas, ependymomas, and astrocytomas are the most prevalent intramedullary tumors. They are normally harmless and can be removed surgically.
A spinal tumor could be life-threatening and leave you disabled for the rest of your life. If you suspect you have a spinal tumor, contact George Kakoulides, MD, or arrange a consultation online for specialist care.