Spinal Tumours: Understanding and Managing the Condition
Spinal tumours are abnormal growths that develop within the spinal canal or the bones of the vertebral column. These tumours can be either cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Depending on their location, they can be classified into vertebral tumours, which affect the bones of the spine, and spinal cord tumours, which originate within the spinal canal. Spinal cord tumours are further categorized into intramedullary (within the spinal cord) and extramedullary (outside the spinal cord but within the dural membrane) tumours.
Types and Impact of Spinal Tumours
Spinal cord tumours, regardless of their nature, can cause significant pain, neurological issues, and sometimes paralysis. Both malignant and benign spinal tumours can be life-threatening and lead to permanent disability. Metastatic lesions, which spread from cancers such as breast, prostate, and lung cancer, account for 85% of all neoplastic spinal cord compressions. Common intraspinal tumours include meningiomas, schwannomas, ependymomas, hemangioblastomas, and astrocytomas.
Symptoms and Signs
The most common symptom of a spinal tumour is pain, often due to compression of the nerves or weakening of the vertebral column. Other symptoms include:
– Urinary incontinence: Difficulty controlling bladder function can be a warning sign.
– Numbness in the perianal region: Loss of sensation around the anus.
– Weakness of the limbs: This can be accompanied by sensory loss, leading to numbness in the hands and legs.
– Progressive neurological deficits: Symptoms typically worsen over time, potentially leading to paralysis.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis:
– MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is a crucial tool for diagnosing spinal tumours. It provides detailed images of the spinal cord and surrounding structures, helping to identify the tumour’s location and relationship to the spinal cord and vertebral bodies.
– Bone Scan: Useful for detecting the presence of tumours within the bones of the spine.
Treatment:
– Steroids: These can temporarily alleviate symptoms of pain and paralysis by reducing inflammation around the tumour.
– Surgery: The primary goals of surgery are to decompress the spinal cord, restore spinal stability, relieve pain, and address paralysis. Surgery also allows for a histological diagnosis, which helps guide further treatment.
– Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy: If the biopsy indicates a malignant tumour, these treatments can be used to target cancer cells and prevent further tumour growth.
The prognosis for patients with spinal tumours depends on several factors, including the histology of the tumour, the extent of surgical resection, and the patient’s neurological status at the time of diagnosis.
Comprehensive Care at Hannah Joseph Hospital
At Hannah Joseph Hospital, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of spinal tumours. Our team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, oncologists, and radiologists, is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Why Choose Hannah Joseph Hospital?
1. Expertise: Our experienced team is skilled in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating spinal tumours.
2. Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art imaging and surgical equipment to provide precise and effective treatment.
3. Personalized Care: Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan based on their specific condition and needs.
4. Support Services: We offer comprehensive support, including physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and psychological support, to help patients and their families throughout the treatment process.
Trust Hannah Joseph Hospital for Your Care
Spinal tumours present significant challenges, but at Hannah Joseph Hospital, we are committed to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care. Our goal is to provide hope and improve the quality of life for our patients. If you or a loved one is facing a spinal tumour, contact Hannah Joseph Hospital today to learn more about our expert treatment options and support services. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
