Spinal cord tumors, as with others that affect the nervous system, They are relatively rare and infrequent. However,they can have very serious consequences,so it is very important to pay attention to their symptoms to spot them as early as possible.
What exactly is a spinal cord tumor?
As explained by Mayo Clinic (United States), spinal cord tumors are those that develop within the spinal canal (intradural) or the bones of the spine (vertebral).
In turn they can be classified as intramedullary (in the cells of the spinal cord itself, such as gliomas, astrocytomas or ependymomas) or extramedullary (in the membrane surrounding the spinal cord or in the nerve roots that emerge from it; some examples are meningiomas, neurofibromas, schwannomas and other tumors of the nerve sheath).
In many cases, spinal tumors are product of the spread of a tumor in another part of the body rather than in tumors. Thes are called metastatic tumors rather than spinal cord tumors.
What are the symptoms?
Some of the signs we should pay attention to To detect spinal cord tumors early these include:
- Pain in the area of the tumor, due to its growth.
- Back pain,frequently enough transmitted to other parts of the body.
- Less sensitivity to pain, heat or cold.
- Loss of bowel or bladder function.
- Difficulty walking, sometimes resulting in falls.
- Back pain that gets worse at night.
- Loss of sensation or muscle weakness, especially in the arms or legs.
- Muscle weakness,mild or severe,in different parts of the body.
Back pain in particular is an early symptom characteristic of spinal tumors. It can also spread beyond the back to the hips, legs, feet, or arms and can get worse over time, even despite treatment.
In general terms, we should consult a doctor every time persistent and progressive back painthat is not related to our activities, or that gets worse at night, or even if we have a personal history of cancer.
Likewise, we should seek immediate care if gradual weakness or numbness in the legs or arms or changes in bladder or bowel function appear.
Many of these symptoms, especially alone, can be caused by other conditions. Be that as it may, when they appear we should still consult a specialist.
What are the risk factors
Spinal cord tumors begin when the cells of this organ or the vertebral bones develop mutations in their DNAwhich lead them to reproduce and grow out of control, forming a cancerous mass.
Its only risk factors are generally considered genetic or hereditary diseases such as neurofibromatosis type 2 oh Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
How are spinal cord tumors treated?
Los treatments for spinal cord tumors They depend on a number of factors such as the precise location, the specific type of tumor, the stage of the disease, the patient’s age, his health status and his personal preferences.
They are generally valued differently surgical procedures to remove cancer. It is also possible to use approaches such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy; and some patients may benefit from the administration of anti-inflammatories or corticosteroids, especially at specific times during treatment rather than as a long-term option.
References
Mayo Clinic. Spinal cord tumor.Consulted online at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/liver-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353659 on November 19, 2024.
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How can early diagnosis improve the treatment outcomes for spinal cord tumors?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr.Emily Carter, Neuro-Oncologist
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Carter! Thank you for joining us today. Spinal cord tumors are a topic that doesn’t often get the attention they deserve, despite their potential severity. Could you start by explaining exactly what a spinal cord tumor is?
Dr. Emily carter: thank you for having me! Absolutely, spinal cord tumors are indeed relatively rare, but they can be serious. They develop either within the spinal canal itself, known as intradural tumors, or in the bones of the spine, referred to as extramedullary tumors.
Time.news Editor: Interesting! And how can they be classified?
Dr. Emily Carter: They can be categorized into two main types: intramedullary tumors, which arise from the cells of the spinal cord—like gliomas and astrocytomas—and extramedullary tumors, that originate from the membranes surrounding the spinal cord or the nerve roots, such as meningiomas and neurofibromas.
Time.news Editor: So, if I understand correctly, some spinal cord tumors arise from other cancers in the body?
Dr.Emily Carter: Exactly! Many spinal tumors are actually metastatic, meaning they spread from tumors located elsewhere in the body rather than originating in the spine itself. They’re referred to as metastatic tumors, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Time.news Editor: That definitely adds a layer of complexity. Now,regarding symptoms — what should individuals be on the lookout for?
Dr. Emily Carter: There are several key symptoms that can indicate a spinal cord tumor. Firstly, pain in the area of the tumor is quite common as it grows. A person may also experience back pain that radiates to other parts of the body.
Time.news Editor: That’s concerning. What are some additional signs that someone might notice?
Dr. Emily Carter: Other vital symptoms include reduced sensitivity to pain, heat, or cold; loss of bowel or bladder function; and difficulty walking. These symptoms can escalate quickly, which is why early detection is critical.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, which must make diagnosis challenging.What do you reccommend for someone experiencing these signs?
Dr. Emily Carter: If someone notices these symptoms, especially persistent pain or changes in mobility or bodily functions, they should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early imaging and evaluation can significantly improve outcomes.
Time.news Editor: Such professional guidance is crucial. In your experience, how important is public awareness about spinal cord tumors?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s paramount. Increased awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis, which is vital for effective treatment. Many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms, so educational efforts can genuinely save lives.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter. It’s been enlightening to discuss spinal cord tumors today.Your insights will surely help us raise awareness in our community.
Dr. emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the chance to share this critically important information.
Time.news Editor: We look forward to sharing it! Experience and information like yours make such a difference.