Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery
A spinal cord tumor is an abnormal cell formation in the spinal cord or its membrane. Increasingly, these cells come together and cause problems in the spinal cord and spine. Another name is the intradural tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Tumors found in the spinal cord are generally benign. Although its incidence is low, spinal cord tumors can cause severe problems in the body.
What Causes a Spinal Cord Tumor?
Spinal cord tumors are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although the exact cause is still unknown. Exposure to chemicals or radiation and genetics are known to contribute to the formation of these tumors. It is also possible for tumors to spread from other parts of the body to the spinal cord.
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Tumor?
The spinal cord structure is extremely important for the body. Disturbances in this area, which is one of the essential points of the nervous system, directly affect the body. A tumor that originates in the spinal cord can cause symptoms in many different parts of the body. The most obvious symptoms are a pain in the back and abdomen. In some periods, these pains are felt in the entire back region. The severity of the pain caused by the tumor is at a level that necessitates a doctor’s examination. The main symptoms are listed as follows;
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Pain in the back area
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Pain in the abdomen
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Tiredness
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Humpback
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Loss of balance
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Numbness in the body parts
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Difficulty walking
What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Tumors?
Tumors in the spinal cord region are divided into the intradural or extradural origin. These tumors are usually benign.
How Is Spinal Cord Tumor Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of spinal cord tumors typically involves a thorough examination of the patient's medical history, followed by various diagnostic tests. The most commonly used test is an MRI, which provides a detailed image of the tumor. Other tests such as CT scans, tomography, and bone scintigraphy may also be performed to determine the presence and location of the tumor. If a tumor is found, a biopsy is often performed to determine the type of tumor. Treatment options are then decided based on the results of the biopsy.
What is the Treatment of Spinal Cord Tumor?
There are three different treatment methods in the treatment of spinal cord tumors. These are;
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Surgical operation
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Radiotherapy
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Chemotherapy
Among these treatment methods, the most commonly used surgical operation. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used as pre-and post-operative applications.
How Is Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery Performed?
When determining the methods of spinal cord tumor surgery, whether the tumor is benign or malignant is decisive. In a benign tumor operation, the entire tumor is removed. Malignant tumor operation is more sensitive. Additional precautions are taken to prevent spread to another region. The tumor removed with the help of small incisions in the body does not require open surgery. In the case of a tumor in the spinal cord, surgical operation conditions should be provided without losing time. The chance of success will increase as the tumor volume is kept small.