Is It Safe To Remove A Tumor Near The Spine?

By Author: Martha Smith
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Spinal tumor refers to a mass of tissue that abnormally grows near the spine. Depending on its progression, a spinal surgeon Basingstoke may or may not recommend the removal of the tumor. This article aims to shed light on this subject.

Spinal Tumor 101

A spinal tumor can be classified depending on its specific location. Intramedullary tumors are those that grow inside the spinal cord itself. Extradural tumors, on the other hand, are found outside the spinal cord’s protective layer or dura. Those that are located beneath this layer but outside the spinal cord are called intradural-extramedullary.

While Southampton neurosurgery experts state that the cause for the development of this tumor is not definitive, many argue that it can be hereditary or can arise from exposure to certain chemicals. Additionally, the risk of having a spinal tumor is found to be higher to patients who have neurofibromatosis 2 or Von Hippel-Lindau disease.

The most common symptom of spinal tumor is back pain — the kind of back pain that is not caused by stress, injury or any other physical activity. Other symptoms include:

Pain ...
... at the site of tumor

Weakness in the muscles in the arms, chest or legs

Difficulty in waking

Stiff neck and back

Loss of bowel and bladder function

Spinal deformity

Paralysis

How Spinal Tumors are Diagnosed

Like what a spinal surgeon Basingstoke can attest, the symptoms of a spinal tumor can be similar to other conditions. This is why it's important for the patient to relay his or her medical history to his or her physician. To properly diagnose this disease, the following tests are done:

X-ray. By getting an X-ray of the spine, the potential location of the tumor can be identified. Other potential causes of pain (like fractures and infections) can also be determined.

CT scan. Through a computed tomography scan, the shape and size of a patient’s spinal canal are visualised and examined. A CT scan can also show the spine’s contents and its surroundings.

MRI. Also called magnetic resonance imaging, this radiological test offers a more accurate depiction of the spine because it produces 3D images.

Bone scan. This scan is specifically used to identify possible bone tumors — including spinal tumors.

Spinal Tumor Treatment: When is Surgery Necessary?

As a general rule, a Southampton neurosurgery only suggests the removal of a spinal tumor of it’s malignant and progressing. As much as possible, they exhaust all other non-invasive treatments first before advising the patient to undergo surgery.

The non-surgical options include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While these therapies are done, the patient is monitored through regular MRIs to check if the tumors are responding positively to the treatment.

As for spinal surgery, while it has inherent risks because it involves the spinal cord, modern technology (e.g. Use of precision tools, targeted radiation) has allowed medical experts to minimise and even eliminate these risks. If the surgery is not able to remove all the tumors, the patient must undergo radiation therapy afterwards.