Spinal Cord Tumors
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Spinal Cord Tumors
Spinal cord tumors can form in the bones, nerves, or other soft tissues that make up the spine and spinal cord. Tumors formed here can be categorized in two ways primary and metastatic. Primary tumors arise from cells that make up the main structure of the spine and spinal cord. Metastatic tumors, on the other hand, are the class in which tumors formed in the spinal cord are placed when a tumor that has formed in another part of the body spreads to the spine.
Apart from the spinal cord membrane, there are also tumor formations between the spinal cord and the spinal cord and within the spinal cord. The cause of tumors outside the spinal cord is generally metastatic tumors. As high as ninety percent, the causes are the spread of tumors in other organs to the spinal cord. Metastatic tumors are more common in men aged 45-65 years. Tumors can be located outside or inside the spinal cord. The most important part of the treatment phase is to determine exactly where the tumor is located.
Spinal Cord Tumor Symptoms
Pain is the most common symptom of spinal cord tumors. It starts as a backache, it doesn’t go away with rest. It is especially felt at night. If there is a tumor formation in the neck region, weakness and numbness may be seen in the arms and legs. If the tumor is located in the back and waist region, weakness is seen only in the legs. Numbness occurs and difficulties are experienced in walking. In addition, urinary incontinence, inability to control stool, decrease in sexual functions, or complete loss of these functions can also be observed. The rate of occurrence of the effects varies from person to person. Sometimes it affects the person in a day or two, and sometimes it progresses at a very slow pace.
How Is a Spinal Cord Tumor Diagnosed?
Tumors in the spinal cord are usually benign tumors. First, neurological examinations are performed, then the location of the tumor is determined by radiological imaging. During the examination, radiological examinations are performed on the place where the tumor is thought to be located. The diagnosis of a spinal cord tumor can be made according to the images that emerge as a result of these.
Spinal Cord Tumor Causes
The reason for the formation of these tumors is not clear. Genetic factors, chemical factors, radiation exposure, and various viruses can cause tumors.
When tumors in other organs grow, they are likely to spread to the spinal cord. This can be distinguished as another cause of tumor formation in the spinal cord.
