A perineural cyst is a benign mass that looks very much like a sac filled with fluid. Sometimes there are cysts filled with blood. The main place of their appearance is the spine.
Causes of the disease
A perineural cyst of the vertebra may appear for several reasons.
These include:
- Hemorrhage.
- Injury to the back and its damage.
- Large loads on the spine.
- Inflammatory processes in soft tissues.
- Congenital tissue disorder in the fetus.
They can most often be found in the sacral and lumbar spine. The vertebrae of the lower back denote - L, and the vertebrae of the sacrum - S. The number next to the letter indicates the number of the vertebral unit of this department. For example, a perineural cyst at the S3 level indicates that it is located near the third vertebra in the sacral spine. It can be determined using CT. If the doctor says that S2 perineural cyst is present, then this suggests that the neoplasm is located near the second vertebra of the lumbar spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Perineural cyst does not manifest itself in the early stages of development. Symptoms can only be noticed when the disease begins to progress.
The disease can be noticed by the following symptoms:
- Violations of a neurological nature appear.
- Painful sensations appear in the location of the cyst.
- There is a restriction in movement.
- Malfunctions of the vestibular apparatus occur (balance is lost).
- The spine begins to deform.
- Headaches and dizziness appear.
- In rare cases, the pelvic function may be impaired.
- Lameness may occur.
- Sensitivity is impaired in some parts of the spine.
- Often there is a sensation of goosebumps (paresthesia).
If you have the symptoms described above, you should immediately consult a doctor. Sometimes perineural cysts can provoke the occurrence of very serious diseases that are difficult to treat.
Features of the disease
The perineural cyst has its own developmental features. In most cases, its appearance depends on congenital human diseases, which are associated with the functions of the vertebral section. With them, spinal nerves can be squeezed and cause very severe pain. The etiology of the disease shows that the main causes of the development of cysts in the lumbar and sacral region are injuries and inflammatory processes. When the size of the neoplasm becomes more than 2 centimeters, then it begins to press on the spinal root, thereby causing the following manifestations:
- Pain, when walking, giving to the buttocks.
- Discomfort and pain in the abdomen.
- Headache.
- Feet begins to tingle.
- Violation of the intestinal tract.
- Feeling of weakness in the legs.
Diagnosis of the disease
When contacting a doctor, you must tell him the complaints and the reasons for your visit. After he listens to you and conducts an initial examination, the doctor will begin the examination. It is usually carried out using instrumental methods. They are used because the x-ray is not able to recognize such a cyst. Computer diagnostics (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) determine cysts and neoplasms. These methods are considered the most informative.
If a person has several cysts, then differential diagnosis is necessary. It will help to find out the causes of the appearance of certain neoplasms. Doctors should definitely check the patient for signs of ankylosing spondylitis and Parkinson's disease. During the determination, they use electroneuromyography, it allows you to determine the presence or absence of damage to the spinal root. Failures in his work is the cause of pain. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to determine the disease on time, most often this occurs in the later stages.
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) and cancer cell detection analysis (biopsy) are also often used to detect the disease. They will help to eliminate the formation of malignant tumors. If they are found, then immediate surgical intervention is required.
Therapy
Treatment of perineural cysts is carried out in several ways.
These include:
- Medication method.
- Surgical method.
The choice of treatment depends on the size of the cyst. If it does not exceed 2 centimeters, then conservative treatment with medications is used.
Drug therapy
This method is very similar to the treatment of osteochondrosis. Anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapeutic procedures are used. If tumors are detected, treatment with physiotherapy is strictly prohibited. Therefore, before treatment, it is necessary to undergo all examinations prescribed by a doctor. When taking medications, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations, and it is also not recommended to interrupt therapy without the permission of the doctor.
Surgical therapy
The operation is performed only with a cyst size of more than 2 centimeters, when it provokes the appearance of violations of the internal organs. The essence of the treatment is that all contents are pumped out of the cyst with a special device, and then a special fluid is pumped into it, which glues its walls. This helps prevent the reoccurrence and filling of the cyst.
However, the operation is associated with certain risks.
These include:
- Violation of the integrity and functioning of the spinal cord.
- Spikes may appear.
- Perhaps the development of postoperative meningitis.
Also, in rare cases, a new perineural cyst may form, which will be located next to the removed one. To avoid this, it is necessary to undergo treatment after surgery. It will be carried out when you are in a medical institution under the supervision of a doctor. In rare cases, he is allowed to continue at home under the supervision of a specialist from the clinic.
The perineural cyst on the spine in the lumbar or sacral region gives the person painful sensations and discomfort. Also, some body functions are violated. For example, if a cyst transmits nerves near the spine, then sensitivity may disappear. If you find symptoms and manifestations of the disease, you must immediately contact a specialist for help. The doctor will conduct all examinations and establish a diagnosis, and then prescribe treatment. It is forbidden and dangerous to self-medicate!