First, let’s begin by understanding what a spinal lesion is.
A spinal lesion can be understood as an abnormal mass of tissue that grows around spinal cord or in spinal column of a human body. These cells in the lesion multiply at an abnormal rate and without control.
If you live in Chennai and have noticed a lesion on the spine, consult an expert doctor immediately. Dr. Vignesh Pushparaj is the best spine surgeon in Chennai with many years of experience in the field. For more details, contact us today.
What Type of Cancer Causes Lesions?
There are two types of spinal lesions; one is benign which is non-cancerous and the other is malignant (cancerous). According to medical experts, primary spinal lesions have their origins in different parts of the spine such as bones, nerves, and discs. They are generally non-cancerous and affect the young population. However, there are two types of cancer Osteosarcoma and Multiple Myeloma that cause primary spinal tumours.
Secondary or metastatic lesions occur when cancer spread from other parts of the body to the spine. These are the most common types of tumours and spread very fast as well. Lung, breast and prostate are the most common forms of cancer that spread to the spine.
Spinal Tumour by Region
Spinal lesions are further categorized depending on the region of the spine affected such as cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacrum. Among these, the lumbar and thoracic are the most common regions for the spinal tumour to occur. In addition, it is important to know that tumours do not form on a single part of the spine but affects different tissue that runs from the neck up to the pelvis. It can be bones, bone marrow, cartilage, discs, blood vessels, peripheral nerves and the spinal cord.
Spinal Tumour by Location
Based on the location inside the spine, there are three types of spinal tumours:
Intradural-Extramedullary – The tumour is located outside the spinal cord but inside the thin covering known as the dura of the spinal cord. There are three locations the tumours generally develop namely; the Arachnoid membrane, nerve roots and the base of the spinal cord.
Intramedullary – These tumours develop inside the spinal cord. Astrocytomas and ependymomas are the two types of tumours formed and they are most common in the thoracic, cervical and lower region of the spinal cord.
Extradural – These tumours occur outside the thin covering of the spinal cord dura.
Malignant Spinal Tumours
Spinal cancers develop on the inside of the spinal column but do not impact the spinal cord. Some of the cancer types that affect the spine are discussed.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is one of the bone cancer types that develop in the spine. However, according to experts, it is common in the thigh and shin bones of the human body.
Chondrosarcoma
This tumour is known to grow around the cartilage cells of the bones. Although it is considered rare in the spine, Chondrosarcoma can develop as primary cancer in spinal column bones.
Multiple Myeloma
This type of tumour affects the plasma cells in the blood which is then collected in the bone marrow and outer layer of the spinal bone.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer type that is known to affect immune system cells referred to as lymphocytes. This type can occur in the spine as a primary tumour. However, in the majority of cases, it develops somewhere else in the body and eventually spreads to the spine.
Chordoma
Chordoma is considered a malignant bone tumour that occurs in the spinal column. Although Chordoma can develop anywhere in the spinal cord, the sacrum is the most common location.
Ewing Sarcoma
Ewing Sarcoma affects bone and the soft tissue in the surrounding region.
Spine Cancer Symptoms
One of the prominent symptoms of spine cancer is pain. The tumour located in the spine puts pressure on the nerve endings causing intense pain and instability. In addition, numbness or tingling sensation in the arms and legs are also common. As the condition worsens, weakness, limited movement of the legs and paralysis may be experienced by the patient.
Other common symptoms include:
- Back Pain, Neck Pain and Pain in the Arms or Legs
- Weakness or Numbness in the Arms or Legs
- Loss of Sensation
- Incontinence
- Loss of Bowel Walking Difficulty
- Control
- Paralysis
- Spinal Deformities
Treatment for Spinal Tumours and Lesions
Doctors will determine the best treatment approach depending on the age, general health, medical history and severity of the condition. The primary goal is to completely remove the tumour or lesion. However, it can cause damage to the spinal column and the surrounding tissues and nerves. Therefore, surgery is the popular treatment option recommended by doctors followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy or both.
Best Spine Tumours Surgeon in Chennai and Bangalore
Dr. Vignesh Pushparaj is one of the leading, trusted and best spine surgeons in Bangalore and Chennai. He has a great track record of treating countless patients with spine disorders and related pain successfully. For more details, contact us today.
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