Spinal Cord Tumors
By: Mark MonteiroTotal Views: 109, Word Count: 569,
Spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system in all humans. It is present in the vertebrae in the form of backbone. This spinal cord has the nerves branch which mainly travel into the body to control the actions and perceive sensations. Abnormal growth of cell in spinal cord is known as spinal cord tumors.
All the tumors developed in spinal cord are either cancerous or non cancerous. These tumors can show specific symptoms of its presence when doctors press on the cord. The main drawback of having spinal cord tumors is that it interferes with the nerve signal which travels towards the brain or come from the brain. As a result of this, lack of sensation or functioning of the brain takes place.
Important Aspects of Spinal Cord Tumor
· Spinal cord tumors can initiate their growth in the cells of the spinal cord and travels through it from one part to another.
· It is studied that the most tumors of spinal cord are non cancerous or benign.
· Treatment of these spinal cord tumors depends upon the type of tumor. One can use the treatment of surgery, radiation therapy, steroids and chemotherapy to remove them.
· These tumors are serious and should be treated properly as soon as possible. It is important to consult your doctor if you have the following symptoms with progressive weakness, loss of bladder, loss of sensation, bowel control or back pain.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Tumors
Tumors cause pressure on the spinal cord which can lead to the following symptoms:
· Back pain which increases gradually. At one stage, it becomes so worse that the patient becomes unable to stand up.
· Decreased sensation is also noticed along with weakness. In some cases, paralysis can take place.
· Erectile dysfunction is also seen in patients
· Loss of bladder and bowel control is preferably noted
Results of Tumors in Cord
· Presence of tumors in the spinal cord may result in pressure on the cord which blocks the blood supply and this can be lead to fluid accumulation, death of tissue and swelling.
· Fluid accumulation blocks more blood supply, resulting in vicious circle of damage.
· Pressure on the spinal nerve roots can result in numbness, pain, tingling, and weakness in compressed nerve root.
· It is necessary to diagnose the spinal cord tumors at the right time, so as to start the treatment.
· Doctors say that if a person is having cancer in other parts, he/she is most likely to develop spinal cord tumors, giving rise to pain in specific areas of the spine. This can lead to weakness and tingling.
· Doctors can diagnose tumors in a specific way by determining which parts of the body is not functioning normally. This can be identified with the symptoms like neck pain or low back pain.
· Sometimes, symptoms of sore back muscles, bone bruises, fractured vertebrae, and collection of pus, blood clot, or herniated disk can give the diagnosis of tumors in the spinal cord.
· In all cases, biopsy is needed to confirm the tumor case
There are different types of treatment for spinal cord tumor. Tumors can be removed surgically. In other cases, it can be simply treated with the help of chemotherapy and radio therapy.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Monteiro is graduated from the Hazard University and done his MBA from the he University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Currently he is working as general physician at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health. For over 15 years he has been a pioneer in the field of physician health. He has contributed to the treatment of many diseases like- ASTHMA, TUBERCULOSIS, HIV, HEPATITIS AND ITS TREATMENT
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote