The back is an important part of the body, but it can often be a source of pain for many people. Chronic back pain is believed to affect at least 80% of the population at some point in their lives. There are many causes for back pain, including cancer. The back is an important part of the body, but it can often be a source of pain for many people. Chronic back pain is believed to affect at least 80% of the population at some point in their lives. There are many causes for back pain, including cancer.
Spinal tumors can show signs of many symptoms depending on the type of tumor, the location of the tumor, and where it is in its development. The most common symptom of spinal tumors is pain at the site of the neck or back where it is located.
For options regarding spinal tumor treatment in Los Angeles, contact Yashar neurosurgery today.
Types of Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors come in many forms, but there are categorized into three major categories.
1. Vertebral Column Spinal Tumors
These tumors originate from the vertebral column and are broken into two sub-categories: primary and metastatic tumors. Primary tumors originate from the bone and typically occur in younger adults. It is not as common as metastatic tumors, which is a spinal tumor that is most often spread as the result of other cancerous cells from another part of the body (such as the lung).
2. Intradural-Extramedullary Spinal Tumors
This type of spinal tumor grows within the membrane, known as meninges, that surrounds the spinal cord. These types of tumors are slow-growing and benign, which is why they are typically considered not life threatening. However, like many other “benign cancers”, there are some rare cases of malignancy and they can still cause a variety of symptoms.
3. Intramedullary Spinal Tumors
This type of spinal tumor grows from inside the spinal cord itself, particularly around the neck area. It can affect the nerves often affects cells that help to provide the body physical support. Because of where they are located, they can also be the most difficult to surgically remove.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of spinal tumor, but patients often experience the following symptoms:
• Neck and back pain, particularly at night or in the morning
• Weakness or numbness in the legs and arms
• Difficulty controlling bladder and bowel movements
• Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fever, and chills
The diagnosis of spinal tumors can be diagnosed from a comprehensive evaluation by a physical. This evaluation typically involves a review of the patient’s complete medical history, along with a complete physical and neurological exam, and an MRI of the spine. An MRI can show the detail of the vertebral column. Some physicians may also wish to run a CAT scan to determine the exact location (if any) of the spinal tumor.
Treatment of Spinal Tumors
The type of treatment you will receive for spinal tumors primarily depends on the type of spinal tumor that you have. For some spinal tumors, surgical removal is the first line of treatment. There are a number of procedures that can be done for the spine. For other types of spinal tumors, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy is used to help reduce and/or manage pain and shrink the tumor.
Additionally, there is something known as decompression therapy which involves the removal of the part of the bone that may contain cancerous cells to help relieve the compression of the spinal cord.
In conclusion, your physician will be able to evaluate your particular circumstances, along with your medical history and overall health, to determine which course of treatment will provide you the most optimal results.
Spinal Tumor Treatment in Los Angeles
As an experienced neurosurgeon, Dr. Parham Yashar, has helped numerous patients to diagnose and properly treat spine tumors of all types. With offices located in Beverly Hills, Dr. Yashar is proud to help service those throughout the greater Los Angeles area and is accepting patients in need of spinal tumor treatment in Los Angeles. Please contact our office today at (424) 361-0923 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation!
