A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue. There are many tumors that develop in and around our spine. Spine tumors are divided into two: primary, that is, originating from the spine, and secondary, that is, spreading to the spine from another source. Most spinal tumors are secondary. The most common source is melanoma (skin cancer), breast, lung, prostate, kidney and thyroid cancer.
Tumors are again divided into benign (innocent-non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). Benign tumors remain limited to the tissue in which they formed and generally do not spread to neighboring or distant tissue. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, spread and damage neighboring tissues and distant tissues.
Spine tumors can cause problems and even paralysis by putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve. The patient's urinary and stool control may be impaired. They can also weaken the bone structure and cause pathological fractures. The resulting fracture disrupts the stability of the spine, causing pain and even causing paralysis by putting pressure on the spinal cord.
Although some findings can be obtained with x-rays in the diagnosis of spinal tumors, a detailed diagnosis is usually made with CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). examination will be required. In patients requiring tissue diagnosis, a biopsy can be taken with a needle under imaging in operating room conditions and a tissue diagnosis (pathological examination) will be attempted.
Treatment for spine tumors is very variable. Tissue diagnosis is decided depending on the general condition of the patient and how far the disease has spread. Early diagnosis and treatment of spine tumors is extremely important and is important in determining the treatment method to be applied and the chance of recovery.
In cases of unresponsive pain, pain can be controlled with Radiofrequency Tumor Ablation (treatment by burning the tumor). In the treatment of pathological fractures, serious pain control is achieved with Kyphoplasty applications in some patients.
Surgical treatment is mostly applied in primary tumors. By trying to remove the tumor, the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves is removed, trying to prevent paralysis.
Read: 0
