Spinal Cord Tumor

The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system and provides communication between the brain and the body. It is located in the spine and sends signals to various parts of the body through the spinal nerves. The spinal cord manages motor functions (movement), sensory information (pain, temperature, touch) and autonomic functions (heartbeat, digestion).

A spinal cord tumor is defined as an abnormal cell growth in the spinal cord tissue. These tumors can be benign (benign) or malignant (malignant). Benign tumors are usually less dangerous and do not spread to surrounding tissues, but they can still put pressure on the spinal cord and cause various symptoms. Malignant tumors are more aggressive and have the potential to spread to surrounding tissues. Spinal cord tumors can affect nerve cells in the spinal cord, leading to neurological dysfunction.

Spinal Cord Tumor Causes

lthough the exact causes of spinal cord tumors are not known, genetic factors, age, gender, radiation exposure, immune system problems and other types of cancer can be triggers.

Spinal Cord Tumor Symptoms

  • There may be pain in the back, neck or lower back.
  • The pain may be constant or increase with movement.
  • Numbness, tingling or numbness in the arms, legs or other parts of the body.
  • Muscle weakness, especially in the legs or arms. Difficulty walking may occur.
  • Loss of balance and incoordination, which increases the risk of falls.
  • Difficulty urinating or controlling defecation.
  • Difficulty performing certain movements, especially when bending or turning.
  • Persistent fatigue and deterioration in general health

Spinal Cord Tumor Treatment

Spinal cord tumor treatment varies depending on the type, size and location of the tumor and the general health of the patient. Treatment methods are usually as follows:

  • Surgical Intervention: Surgical removal of the tumor is the most common method of treatment. If the tumor is benign, it can usually be completely removed. For malignant tumors, the aim of surgery is to shrink the tumor or relieve symptoms.
  • Radiotherapy: After or following surgery, radiotherapy may be used to stop the tumor from growing. Radiotherapy targets tumor cells using high-energy beams.
  • Chemotherapy: For malignant tumors, chemotherapy can be used to stop the growth of cancer cells or shrink them. This treatment is usually administered through medicines.
  • Monitoring and Observation: In some cases, if tumors are slow to grow and symptoms are mild, regular follow-up and observation may be sufficient.
  • Supportive Treatment: Supportive treatment methods such as pain management, physical therapy or rehabilitation are important to improve the patient’s quality of life.

The treatment plan should be individualized for each patient and may require a multidisciplinary approach. Therefore, when a spinal cord tumor is diagnosed, it is important to collaborate with a specialized healthcare team.

What You Should Know About Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery

Surgery can be used to remove the tumor completely, to reduce its size, to reduce the pressure, or to protect the nerve roots or spinal cord. During the operation, the tumor is accessed through a microsurgical incision in the spine. After the tumor is removed, spinal stabilization may be required. The operation is performed using special magnification devices (microscope) and fine surgical instruments. From the beginning to the end of the operation, NIM- Neuromonitoring is used and the nerve conduction through the spinal cord is kept under control every second. Microsurgery prevents damage to surrounding tissues and nerve roots. Compared to traditional methods, smaller incisions are made, which speeds up the healing process and reduces pain levels. The duration of spinal cord tumor surgery can vary depending on various factors. Usually, this type of surgery takes between 3 and 6 hours. However, large or complex tumors, situations where the nerve structures in or around the spinal cord need to be protected, and the general health of the patient may increase the duration of the operation.

Operation Duration

Anesthesia

Hospitalization

Hospitalization

Return to Work

3-6 Hours

General Anesthesia

2 Days

2 Weeks

7-14 Days