It is important to classify according to location to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord tumors. Spinal cord tumors are divided into 3 groups as extradural, intradural extramedullary and intradural intramedullary. While extradural tumors are most common, intradural extramedullary and intradural intramedullary tumors are seen, respectively.
We can say that the success rate in the treatment of spinal cord tumors has increased significantly with the advancing technology, the increase in medical opportunities and especially the development of microsurgical methods.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Tumor
It gives symptoms depending on where it is located in the back and waist region
The most important complaint is pain. Usually there is pain in the back
If there is a tumor in the neck region, weakness and numbness may occur in the arms and legs.
If there is a tumor in the waist and back region, only weakness in the legs, inability to walk and numbness may be encountered.
Urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence may be encountered.
Men may experience impotence.
Causes of Spinal Cord Tumors
The cause of spinal cord tumors, like other tumors, is not known exactly. Genetic factors, radiation, viruses are risk factors. The probability of spreading from other organs is high in spinal cord tumors.
Spinal Cord Tumor Treatment
In the treatment of spinal cord tumors, the treatment method is decided according to the location and type of the tumor. Surgical treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy are some of these methods.
Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery
Generally, the treatment method for spinal cord tumors is surgery. With microsurgery, benign tumors in the spinal cord can be removed, if they have not spread much, in the spinal cord. Tumors outside the spinal cord are usually metastatic. These can cause fractures, weakness, and pain in the spine. The aim of the operation, especially in cancer patients with spinal involvement, is to ensure that the patient maintains a comfortable life instead of removing the tumor.
Spinal Cord Tumor Radiotherapy Treatment
Since spinal cord tumors are sensitive to radiation, radiotherapy treatment is applied before or after surgery.
Spinal Cord Tumor Chemotherapy Treatment
Chemotherapy treatment, which is aimed at supporting other treatment methods, aims to shrink the tumor.
