Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that develop inside the spinal column, usually causing pain and other symptoms. The most common symptom of a spine tumor is back pain that does not improve with rest. Other common symptoms of a spine tumor include:
- Sciatica (pain that runs along the sciatic nerve, which radiates from the lower back, down the buttocks and back of the leg)
- Numbness in the legs, arms, or chest
- Difficulty walking
- Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, as a result of spine-deforming tumor growth
It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible if your pain persists and if you have a history of cancer — the spine is a common place for another cancer to spread.
Prompt diagnosis is crucial in treating a spine tumor. Determining whether the tumor is malignant or benign, identifying its source, and finding the total number of lesions will play a part in prognosis. İn addition to X-rays, the most common tests used to identify and diagnose a spinal tumor include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computerized tomography (CT)
- Myelogram
- Bone Scan
Treatments for spinal cancer vary widely, depending on factors such as the location and extent of the disease. The selection of treatments including both surgical and non-surgical is therefore made keeping in mind the various aspects of the patient’s overall health and goals of care.
Nonsurgical treatment options include observation, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Tumors that are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and do not appear to be changing or progressing may be observed and monitored with regular MRIs. Some tumors respond well to chemotherapy and others to radiation therapy.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Neurological surgeons can use stereotactic radiosurgery (highly targeted radiation beams from multiple angles) to treat spinal tumors. This technique is a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment. Side effects are usually moderate and limited and the procedure carries a very low risk of infection or other complications that can occur after open surgery. This is a rapidly developing technique, requiring the most highly trained surgeons utilizing the most sophisticated equipment – such as the Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, proton beams, and linear accelerators – and is usually only available in major medical centers
Surgery:When the tumor is limited only to one portion of the spinal column, we may perform surgery to completely remove the cancer. For metastatic spinal tumors, we may perform the minimum surgery necessary to relieve symptoms.
Every examination and operation related to the disease should be performed by a properly equipped hospital with the latest medical technology and professional academic medical staff. The Turkish Health Group will definitely direct you to the hospitals with the most modern medical equipment and professional medical staff related to your disease. Contact us for more information and a free second medical reference from a professional Turkish doctors.