Understanding Vertebral Column Tumors
Vertebral column tumors may arise from any of the spinal structures or the spinal column. For instance, they may arise in the following regions:
• Cervical (neck)
• Thoracic (mid-back)
• Lumbosacral (low back)
Tumors may stem from:
• The spinal cord itself
• Roots of spine
• Dural sac surrounding spinal cord
• Vertebrae (bones)
According to experts, the tumor in the vertebral column may originate from the spinal cord, or from elsewhere such as the breast, lung, etc.
The Symptoms
One of the major symptoms of a vertebral column tumor is neck or back pain. The pain starts at night and gets worse with physical activity. The symptoms may vary with level of involvement. For instance:
• Cervical (neck) Tumors - Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
• Thoracic (mid-back) Tumors - Weakness or numbness in the legs or chest area
• Lumbosacral (low-back) Tumors - Weakness or numbness in the legs or chest area or legs and difficulty walking.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis process of tumors in the vertebral column starts with the history and physical examination. It is important to understand if patients present with a past medical history of cancer. New reports (if any) of cancer must also be provided with the details on severe back pain experienced by the patient.
Doctors usually order imaging studies for diagnosis including:
• Plain x-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scans
• MRIs
• Pet Scans
Sometimes it is also important to undergo specialized testing. This helps with providing a clear definition of a suspected tumor. Sometimes, nuclear bone scans and positron emission tomography (PET scans are also ordered by doctor to help with the diagnosis.
In most cases it is crucial to obtain a tumor tissue specimen so as to determine the type of cancer. A needle biopsy is conducted to help identify the type of tumor. The tissue is clearly examined and helps the physician to determine the precise tumor type. Understanding the type of tumor will help determine if surgical or non-surgical treatment options are available.
When to Consider Surgery?
Surgery for a spinal tumor is usually prescribed for the following conditions:
• Progressive motor weakness
• Neurological symptoms
• Loss of bowel control
• Loss of bladder control
Surgery may also be required for instability of the spine because of the tumor. Sometimes, doctors recommend surgery for certain tumors that are insensitive to treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Surgical Options for Vertebral Column Tumor
Surgery for vertebral column tumor may vary according to the level of removal of tumor (partial or complete). The surgeon will measure the risks of tumor removal from surgery against non-surgical options.
Doctors will prescribe a spinal stabilization surgery of the vertebral column to treat the instability caused by the tumor. If Surgery is recommended to remove a tumor, it may be performed in the front or back of the spine. The surgery is done via travelling through the neck, chest or abdomen.
The patient is required to stay in hospital after major surgery for at least several days. Doctors also recommend a period of physical therapy after surgery. The physical therapy process may also occur as an outpatient activity or at home.
Complete recovery time required after surgery can range from 6 weeks to a year depending on the level of complexity of the surgery. It takes around 3-4 months for patients to feel close to normal. The healing process can continue up to a year or more.
Long Term Effects
The doctor will monitor your progress for a specific period of time with an aim to detect any signs / symptoms of recurrence of the tumor. Periodic MRI scans or CT scans will be conducted. The chances of recurrence of tumor depends on the type of tumor. Also the chances of recurrence are higher if the tumor spreads from somewhere else in the body.
Visit here www.premierbrainandspine.com for Vertebral Column Tumors Treatment.
Vertebral column tumors may arise from any of the spinal structures or the spinal column. For instance, they may arise in the following regions:
• Cervical (neck)
• Thoracic (mid-back)
• Lumbosacral (low back)
Tumors may stem from:
• The spinal cord itself
• Roots of spine
• Dural sac surrounding spinal cord
• Vertebrae (bones)
According to experts, the tumor in the vertebral column may originate from the spinal cord, or from elsewhere such as the breast, lung, etc.
The Symptoms
One of the major symptoms of a vertebral column tumor is neck or back pain. The pain starts at night and gets worse with physical activity. The symptoms may vary with level of involvement. For instance:
• Cervical (neck) Tumors - Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
• Thoracic (mid-back) Tumors - Weakness or numbness in the legs or chest area
• Lumbosacral (low-back) Tumors - Weakness or numbness in the legs or chest area or legs and difficulty walking.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis process of tumors in the vertebral column starts with the history and physical examination. It is important to understand if patients present with a past medical history of cancer. New reports (if any) of cancer must also be provided with the details on severe back pain experienced by the patient.
Doctors usually order imaging studies for diagnosis including:
• Plain x-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scans
• MRIs
• Pet Scans
Sometimes it is also important to undergo specialized testing. This helps with providing a clear definition of a suspected tumor. Sometimes, nuclear bone scans and positron emission tomography (PET scans are also ordered by doctor to help with the diagnosis.
In most cases it is crucial to obtain a tumor tissue specimen so as to determine the type of cancer. A needle biopsy is conducted to help identify the type of tumor. The tissue is clearly examined and helps the physician to determine the precise tumor type. Understanding the type of tumor will help determine if surgical or non-surgical treatment options are available.
When to Consider Surgery?
Surgery for a spinal tumor is usually prescribed for the following conditions:
• Progressive motor weakness
• Neurological symptoms
• Loss of bowel control
• Loss of bladder control
Surgery may also be required for instability of the spine because of the tumor. Sometimes, doctors recommend surgery for certain tumors that are insensitive to treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Surgical Options for Vertebral Column Tumor
Surgery for vertebral column tumor may vary according to the level of removal of tumor (partial or complete). The surgeon will measure the risks of tumor removal from surgery against non-surgical options.
Doctors will prescribe a spinal stabilization surgery of the vertebral column to treat the instability caused by the tumor. If Surgery is recommended to remove a tumor, it may be performed in the front or back of the spine. The surgery is done via travelling through the neck, chest or abdomen.
The patient is required to stay in hospital after major surgery for at least several days. Doctors also recommend a period of physical therapy after surgery. The physical therapy process may also occur as an outpatient activity or at home.
Complete recovery time required after surgery can range from 6 weeks to a year depending on the level of complexity of the surgery. It takes around 3-4 months for patients to feel close to normal. The healing process can continue up to a year or more.
Long Term Effects
The doctor will monitor your progress for a specific period of time with an aim to detect any signs / symptoms of recurrence of the tumor. Periodic MRI scans or CT scans will be conducted. The chances of recurrence of tumor depends on the type of tumor. Also the chances of recurrence are higher if the tumor spreads from somewhere else in the body.
Visit here www.premierbrainandspine.com for Vertebral Column Tumors Treatment.
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