Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that develop within the spinal column. They can originate from the spinal cord or the surrounding structures and can be either primary tumors (originating within the spine) or metastatic tumors (spreading to the spine from other parts of the body).
Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing spinal tumors effectively and improving patient outcomes.
Surgical plan varies depending on the location of the spinal cord compression.
The best spinal cord injury doctors in Chennai will do the following:
- 1 st the tumour is observed over time for change. This is a common approach in small benign (non-cancerous) tumours.
- 2 nd Larger benign tumours, certain types of spine cancer (malignant), and progressive spine tumours require surgical intervention.
Types of Spinal Tumors
Primary Spinal Tumors:
- Intradural-extramedullary tumors: These tumors grow within the protective covering of the spinal cord and often affect the nerve roots.
- Intramedullary tumors: These tumors develop within the spinal cord itself and can affect the nerve cells.
- Extradural tumors: These tumors arise from the structures outside the spinal cord, such as the bones or soft tissues.
Metastatic Spinal Tumors:
Metastatic spinal tumors occur when cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the spine. The most common primary cancers that metastasize to the spine include breast, lung, prostate, and kidney cancers.
Benign vs. Malignant Tumors:
- Benign tumors are non-cancerous and usually grow slowly. They tend to be localized and less aggressive.
- Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues. They tend to grow rapidly and may spread to other parts of the body.
Spine surgery may be recommended to remove the tumor, reduce its size, and/or relieve persistent back or neck pain, balance problems, walking difficulty and bowel or bladder dysfunction. Why and when the surgery is needed –depends on many factors such as.
- Type of spinal tumor
- Tumor size and its location
- Stage of cancer
- Neurologic deficit such as spinal cord or nerve compression/ weakness/ Paralysis
- Spinal instability, vertebral fracture, or destruction of vertebral bone
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction/ urinary incontinence, constipation
- General health, immunity, and infection risk
Causes of Spinal Tumors:
The exact causes of spinal tumors are often unknown. However, several factors may increase the risk of their development, including:
Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to develop spinal tumors.
Exposure to radiation: Previous radiation therapy to the spine or prolonged exposure to radiation may increase the risk.
Previous history of cancer: Individuals who have had cancer in the past may have a higher risk of developing spinal tumors.
Age-related factors: Spinal tumors are more commonly diagnosed in older adults.
Immunodeficiency disorders: Certain immunodeficiency disorders can be associated with an increased risk of spinal tumors.
Symptoms of Spinal Tumors
The symptoms of spinal tumors can vary depending on the location, size, and type of tumor.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent back pain, often worsening at night or with movement.
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs, affecting mobility and dexterity.
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control.
- Muscle weakness or paralysis.
- Sensory disturbances, such as tingling or loss of sensation.
The top spinal cord injury doctors in Chennai will thoroughly assess all the symptoms, general health condition and problem points of the patient. Thereafter, for further diagnosis and confirmation tests and scans may be recommended.
Surgery Goals
- Remove the tumor, or as much of it as possible
- Stabilize the spine
- Reduce pain
- Improve function and quality of life
Best Spinal Cord Injury Treatment in Chennai
Surgical Procedures are
- Decompression/ En-bloc/ debulking/ resection surgery: To remove the entire tumour or part of it. These procedures decompress or relieve pressure to the spinal cord and nerve roots, which helps in reducing the pain and other symptoms.
- Embolization: it is an intervention technique that slows or cuts off the tumour’s blood supply. Embolization (embolotherapy) causes the tumor to shrink.
- Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty: In Kyphoplasty we use balloons that are inserted into the fracture, inflated to create a cavity, and bone cement is injected. Vertebroplasty does not use balloons. A newer technique combines vertebroplasty with radiofrequency ablation to remove the tumour tissue and create a cavity for the bone cement. Both procedures provide immediate fracture stabilization.
- Spinal Stabilization: Spinal tumour can cause spine instability. Spinal instability increases the risk for serious neurologic injury, such as bowel or bladder dysfunction or paralysis. Stabilization usually involves spinal instrumentation and bone graft. Spinal decompression and stabilization may be performed as a minimally invasive procedure.
Spinal Tumor Surgery Specialist in Chennai: Dr. Vignesh:
Dr. Vignesh is a highly skilled and experienced Spinal Tumor Surgery Specialist in Chennai. With a passion for providing exceptional patient care, he is dedicated to offering the best possible treatment options for spinal tumors.
Dr. Vignesh’s expertise, qualifications, and successful cases speak volumes about his commitment to delivering excellent care to his patients.
To schedule an appointment or inquire further, please refer to the provided availability and appointment details.