Spinal Tumors (Bone and Cord)

Spinal tumors are tumors that cause cells within the spine to grow abnormally. Spinal tumors can be of many different types and can affect the bones, discs, or cartilage tissues of the spine. These tumors can also compress nerves, causing symptoms such as pain, paralysis, or limitation of movement. The goal of treatment for spinal tumors is to completely remove the tumor or stop its growth. Treatment options may include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

In this article, explanations about spinal tumors will be given under the following headings:

• What are spinal tumors and how do they occur?
• What are the symptoms of spinal tumors?
• How are spinal tumors diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for spinal tumors?

What Are Spinal Tumors and How Do They Occur?

Spinal tumors are tumors that consist of abnormal cells located in the bones and tissues of the spine. These tumors are not usually cancerous, but in some cases they can be carcinogenic. Spinal tumors can cause wear, deformation or damage to the bones and tissues in the spine. The formation of these tumors is usually due to abnormal growth or proliferation of cells. If spinal tumors are not detected in time, they can cause serious health problems.

What are Spinal Tumors (Bone and Cord) Symptoms?

Symptoms of spinal tumors can vary depending on where the tumors are located and how much they have grown. However, some common symptoms in general include:

• Pain: Pain caused by spinal tumors occurs by pressing on the nerves in the spine. This pain can be concentrated in a specific area or spread to different parts of the body.
• Muscle weakness or paralysis: Spinal tumors can affect the nerves and cord in the spine. In this case, it may be observed that some muscles cannot be controlled or used.
• Sensory loss: Spinal tumors can cause sensory loss by pressing on nerves. In this case, loss of sensation may be felt in a certain area.
• Hearing loss: Spinal tumors can cause hearing loss by pressing on the auditory nerves.
• Headache: May cause headache.
• Changes in urine and stool: Spinal tumors can affect urine and stool control. In this case, changes in urine and feces can be observed.

How are spinal tumors diagnosed?

 The diagnosis of spinal tumors is made by a doctor by performing a physical examination and the necessary tests. First, the doctor will look for signs of spinal tumors by performing a physical exam. In this examination, the doctor will evaluate where the pain is felt, the presence of muscle weakness, and symptoms such as sensory and hearing loss.

Then, the general health status of the body can be evaluated by performing blood tests. The presence and location of spinal tumors is determined by taking images of the bones in the spine through X-ray. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance examinations are also used to detect the presence of tumors in addition to x-rays. Finally, abnormal cells in the spine are detected by biopsy. If all these indicate spinal tumors, the diagnosis is made.

What is Spinal Tumors Treatment?

Treatment of spinal tumors; It can vary depending on where the tumors are located, their size, and whether they are cancerous. In general, some common treatment methods are:

Surgical intervention

Spinal tumors can be surgically removed. This method helps to protect the tissues in the area where the tumor is located and to maintain their healthy functions properly. However, in some cases, surgical intervention may not be applied. For example, if the area where the tumor is located is a very sensitive area or the size of the tumor is very large.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a method used in the treatment of cancerous spinal tumors. In this method, drugs are used to destroy cancer cells. However, since these drugs can also affect normal cells, side effects can occur.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the delivery of rays that destroy tumor cells. These rays help stop tumor growth by destroying tumor cells. Some side effects may also occur during radiotherapy treatment, so it should be applied carefully by the doctor.

What should be done after the treatment of spinal tumors?

Treatment prescriptions and recommendations given after the treatment of spinal tumors should be followed so the treatment effect can be increased and tumor regrowth can be prevented. After the treatment, the patient is followed up regularly by the doctor. These follow-ups help prevent tumor regrowth and help change treatment modalities if necessary. Regular physical activity is also recommended. In this way, the muscles are strengthened and the flexibility of the spine increases. However, overload and strain should be avoided.