There are various structures in the spine, and tumors can occur in each of these structures. Spinal tumors can originate from the vertebrae and rib bones, spinal cord, spinal cord (meninges) and soft tissues surrounding the spine.
Metastatic Tumors: The majority of spinal tumors are metastatic tumors that result from the spread of cancer in another region to the spine. It is common for primary cancers such as breast, lung, prostate, breast or kidney cancer to metastasize to the spine. They form in the bone marrow and can often develop in the bones of the spine. Osteomas and
Osteoblastomas: Osteoblastomas are benign tumors arising from bone tissue. They can grow in the bones of the spine and cause pain. Plasmocytoma (Multiple Myeloma): A plasmacytoma is a cancer in which plasma cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow. It can develop in the spinal cord or spinal bones and often cause symptoms such as back pain, bone fractures and weakness.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a malignant (malignant) tumor of bone tissue. When it occurs in the spine, it can cause serious problems and lead to symptoms such as back pain, muscle weakness and numbness in the legs. Chondrosarcoma: Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of cartilage tissue. Although chondrosarcomas of the spine are rare, they can occur in the spinal cord and spinal bones.
Giant Cell Tumor: Giant cell tumor is a benign bone tumor in which large multinucleated cells and cancerous cells coexist. It can occur in a variety of bones, including the spine. They are tumors that generally occur in young people.
2- Spinal Cord Originating (Intramedullary) Tumors The spinal cord is the nerve tissue within the spine covered with the spinal cord. Most common tumors originating from the spinal cord Low grade (low grade)
Astrocytomas: Slowly progressing and compressing the spinal cord and causing back pain, imbalance as well as numbness in the limbs are tumors that appear with signs of loss of strength. Sometimes they affect the spine by spreading from the spinal cord itself and sometimes from the brain.
Ependymomas: They are tumors arising from the membrane that covers the inner cavity of the spinal cord (ependymal layer). It can occur at any level of the spine. In the spinal cord, there is a canal, which we call the central canal, that provides the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid within the spinal cord. Ependymomas generally obstruct this canal, causing central canal enlargement, which we call syringomyelia, and spinal cord compression. Brain ependymoma tumors can also spread to the spinal cord.
Teratomas: They are types of tumors that are generally recognized in childhood and develop from congenital tissue remnants. It occurs most frequently in the extreme (sacral) parts of the spinal cord.
Hemangioblastomas: There is a genetic predisposition and familial transmission in half of the cases.
3- Originating from the Spinal Cord and Nerve Roots of the Spine ( Extramedullary Tumors: These tumors can arise inside (intradural) or outside (extradural) the spinal cord membrane. It can originate from the cerebrospinal membrane itself or from the nerve roots. Tumors that grow into the spinal cord (intradural) can enlarge and compress the spinal cord, causing distress in larger areas. Tumors growing outside the spinal cord (extradural) usually cause spinal pain, numbness and loss of strength in the arm or leg. He is good-natured. It is mostly seen in advanced ages.
Ependymoma: It originates from the spinal cord and generally grows into the membrane (intradural). It is benign, but after the operation, it can spread from the residual cells by growing again. It can become a multifocal disease by spreading from one point of the spinal cord to another. Neurofibromas: originate from nerve roots and can grow both outside and inside the spinal cord. He is good-natured. Genetic predisposition and familial transmission are common. Familial inherited tumors can occur in any part of the body in the form of diffuse nerve bumps. Familial inherited tumors occur in many foci in the spine. a can go. Such cases usually have neurofibromatosis type 2 syndrome and require lifelong follow-up. Tumors originating from the cynic root usually appear with local numbness, pain, and loss of strength in the arms or legs. If tumors progress, spinal cord compression (myelopathy) occurs and the disease can cause more common problems such as paralysis from the neck or waist down, imbalance, loss of urinary and bowel control, loss of sexual function.
Soft Tissues of the Spine: Soft tissues around the spine It includes structures such as muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Tumors can also form in these soft tissues and cause symptoms in the spine area. The structures that can form tumors in the spine are very diverse, and the type and location of each tumor may lead to different symptoms and treatment methods. It is important for a person with a suspected spinal tumor to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate their symptoms and for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Vertebrae are the spinal bones that make up the bony structures of the spine. Various tumors can arise in the vertebrae.
Here are some examples of tumors that can occur in the vertebrae: These are just a few examples of tumors that can occur in the vertebrae. The characteristics and treatment methods of each tumor may be different. It is important for a person with a suspected spinal tumor to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate their symptoms and for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms: Symptoms of spinal tumors can vary depending on factors such as the type, size and location of the tumor. Here are some of the common symptoms of spinal tumors: Spinal tumors can occur in different areas, but most often develop in specific areas of the spine. Plasmocytoma most commonly occurs in the dorsal spine, while prostate cancer spreads most frequently to the lumbar and sacral (lumbar and coccyx) regions. Tumors in this area can often be symptoms of difficulty walking due to low back pain, pain in the legs or muscle weakness. Some patients may experience urinary incontinence, impotence or sexual reluctance, numbness and pain in the genital areas.
Cervical (Neck) Spine: Come in the neck region of the spine Urinary tumors are also common. Such tumors can cause symptoms such as neck pain, neck stiffness, arm pain and numbness. In advanced cases, there may be a life-threatening risk due to spinal cord compression (myelomalacia) due to the risk of developing a neck-down flap and tumors close to the skull, due to respiratory distress. creates. Among the spinal tumors, tumors that develop in the thoracic spine region can also be seen. These types of tumors can usually cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and back pain. In advanced cases, paralysis, inability to walk, urinary and stool incontinence may occur due to spinal cord crush.
Back Pain: The most common symptom of spinal tumors is the back. is pain. This pain is usually felt in the area of the tumor and may increase over time. It can occur as a constant pain that does not go away even during rest or sleep.
Radicular Pain: Spinal tumors can compress or affect the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord. In this case, radicular pain (nerve root pain) radiating in the spine area may occur. It may manifest as pain, numbness, tingling or a feeling of weakness, especially in the arms or legs.
Skeletal System Deformities: Spinal tumors can affect the structure of the spinal bones and cause deformities. Symptoms such as curvatures, protrusions or deformities may be noticed.
Humpback (Kyphosis): Tumors in the spine can cause weakness or collapse in the spinal cord or spinal bones. In this case, humpback or forward curvature may occur.
Skeletal System Fractures: There may be an increased risk of bone weakness or fracture. Spinal tumors can cause fractures in the spinal cord or spinal bones. Sometimes there may be a simple fall story, but sometimes the fall story cannot be found. These fractures may present with symptoms such as severe back pain, limitation of movement or difference in height. A person with a suspected spinal tumor should contact a healthcare professional if they notice the signs or other symptoms mentioned above. An expert assessment and appropriate imaging tests With i, a correct diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan can be created.
Diagnosis: Various methods are used for the correct diagnosis of vertebral tumors. The diagnostic process may include steps such as assessment of symptoms, physical examination, and imaging tests. and will carefully consider your medical history (anamnesis). He or she can then perform a physical examination to look for deformities, tenderness, or neurological signs in the spine area.
Imaging Tests: X-Ray: X-rays may be taken to evaluate the spinal bones. X-ray images can show bone lesions, depressions, or fractures.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is used to obtain detailed images of the spine and surrounding tissues. The tumor's size, spread, and affected structures can be determined by MRI.
Computed Tomography (CT): CT scan is used to view spinal bones and tumors in more detail. It is especially useful to see the bone structure more clearly.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET CT): With this method, the extent of spread of metastasis tumors to the body of unknown origin is investigated by scanning the whole body. In some tumors, the decision for surgical treatment is made according to the PET CT result.
Biopsy: A sample from the tumor may be required to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure can be performed with a needle or surgical methods. The tissue sample taken is sent to the laboratory for pathological examination and the nature (benign or malignant) and type of the tumor are determined. Blood Tests: Blood tests can be used to evaluate tumor markers or general health. These tests may vary depending on the type and extent of the tumor. The treatment plan may require a multidisciplinary approach and often includes one or a combination of methods. Here are some of the drugs used in the treatment of vertebral tumors.
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