If you have been diagnosed with spinal tumors, it is because you have a small or large growth on your back. These tumors can pop up in a number of different places, from inside the bones of your spine to the spinal canal. But where do they come from? Are spinal tumors hereditary? Can they be fully treated or cured?
Are Spinal Tumors Hereditary?
These questions and more can be answered by your trusted neurosurgeon in Los Angeles. At Yashar Neurosurgery, we don’t just want to treat our patients – we also want to inform them about what is going on with their diagnosis. Let’s take a look at the origins of spinal tumors and viable treatment options that may be available to you.
What Are Spinal Tumors?
Spinal tumors can affect the bones, the nerves, or the entire back, depending on what kind of tumor is present in the body. Typically, Dr. Yashar will classify spinal tumors into one of two distinct types:
Extramedullary Tumors
This defines a tumor that grows in areas of membranes and muscle which surround the spinal cord but do not come from inside the spine itself. However, they can quickly grow to the spine and affect the nerves and feelings in the area as they advance.
Intramedullary Tumors
These are tumors that do start in the spine itself and require a different form of care. Other tumors can spread from the body to the spine, making it difficult to diagnose the source of a spinal tumor in some cases.
What Causes Spinal Tumors?
While some types of family medical history can indicate a risk factor for spinal tumors, it is not the only cause. The top risk factors for cancer include prior history of cancer, a compromised immune system, and overexposure to radiation. Medical history can be relevant in some cases, but not all.
Hereditary disorders are only considered if a patient is dealing with specific conditions such as Von Hippel-Lindau disease or Neurofibromatosis. In that case, a closer examination of your family history can help the doctors determine the best course of action for your treatment. Otherwise, you may want to seek help from a medical professional before the tumor puts you at risk of cancer or permanent spinal damage.
Symptoms of Spinal Tumors
It can be difficult to diagnose a spinal tumor as it starts to grow, but consistent symptoms can be a good indicator that it’s time to see the doctor. The most common and important symptoms of spinal tumors typically include:
- Sudden back pain that gets worse at night
- Trouble walking or balancing without falling
- Loss of sensitivity to heat, cold, or general touch
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty going to the bathroom
- Loss of bladder and bowel functions
- Pain at the tumor site
- Pain that radiates outward to the legs, arms, and torso
If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it is important to get in touch with a certified spine surgeon right away. A tumor that is caught early enough can be treated with innovative treatment options that will get rid of your back pain and prevent any future danger to the rest of your body.
Take Care of Your Spine ASAP
Spinal tumors can be difficult to diagnose, but they don’t have to be difficult to treat. Get in touch with Dr. Yashar today and learn about the most progressive spine tumors treatment in LA. Our care team can create a personalized treatment plan depending on the location, cause, and nature of your spinal tumor. Give us a call today and schedule a one-on-one appointment so you can finally learn what’s going on in your spine. Don’t wait too long to reach out!
