Spinal tumor: symptoms and treatment

One of the common reasons for going to a doctor is back pain. It can be caused by various reasons. But it is worth noting that this problem cannot be ignored. For periodically recurring pain or for a sharp, even if it is an isolated case, pain, sometimes there is a very serious reason. Normal overload may be to blame, or a spinal tumor may be hiding.

One of the common reasons for going to a doctor is back pain. It can be caused by various reasons. But it is worth noting that this problem cannot be ignored. For periodically recurring pain or for a sharp, even if it is an isolated case, pain, sometimes there is a very serious reason. Normal overload may be to blame, or a spinal tumor may be hiding. Symptoms may be similar to common sciatica. However, you must always consult a doctor. About what a tumor in the spine can be, the symptoms and treatment of such a formation will be considered further.

Causes of spinal tumors

Currently, there is no specific reason for the appearance of tumor formations in the human body. But there are several factors that increase the risks of their occurrence:

• the presence of tumor formations in the genus;
• work in hazardous production;
• increased background radiation;
• prolonged exposure to the sun;
• smoking.

All these factors increase the risk of developing neoplasms.

The following processes also affect the occurrence of a tumor in the spine:

• spinal cord injuries;
• chronic pathology of the spinal column.

In the early stages, the tumor process is called primary. Malignant cells are just beginning to appear in the spinal column, but it is already growing a spinal tumor. Symptoms at an early stage are mild.

The cancer cells that appear in the vertebral body are easily transported throughout the body, as there is excellent blood supply. Settling in vessels, cancer cells destroy bone tissue, metastases are formed. So a malignant tumor of the spine grows, the symptoms at this stage will already be well expressed, since the spine itself is affected.

Variety of tumors and their characteristics

Neoplasms can be either benign or cancerous.

Types of spinal tumors:

• tumor of the skeletal system;
• bone tumor
• tumors of various origins;
• metastatic tumors;
• invasive.

To benign include:

• Osteochodrome. The spongy bone is covered with cartilage. Most common in boys during growth.
• Osteoid osteoma. With it, a focus of dense bone substance appears, which grows. It occurs in adolescence, mainly in boys.
• Osteoblastoma Bone compaction. It is very rare in children and adolescents.
• Giant cell tumor. It consists of multi-core giant cells. It occurs mainly in women.
• Eosinophilic granuloma. An abnormal proliferation of loose connective tissue cells that displaces bones.
• Hemangioma. It can be at any age. These are abnormally developed blood vessels.

• Aneurysmal bone cysts. They leave bone marrow spaces, have a venous structure and grow outward. May occur in children and at a young age.

Primary cancers of the spine:

• Reticulosarcoma. This is a mixture of cells that have lost their characteristics that distinguish them from others.
• Chondrosarcoma. Growing slowly. Consists of cartilage. Often found in older men.
• Osteosarcoma. It develops very quickly and consists of neoplastic osteoid tissue, and may include fibro- and chondrosarcomatous components.
• Ewing's sarcoma. It occurs in children and at a young age. The origin is unknown.
• Chordoma. Developed from the rudiments of the chord. It can be at any age, but more often after 30 years.

Secondary spinal tumors include metastatic tumors.

As a rule, the spinal cord is affected by tumors of the following organs:

• kidneys
• breast;
• prostate;
• thyroid.

Metastatic, even small, swelling of the thoracic spine will manifest symptoms. It significantly affects the work of the heart, lungs, blood vessels. There may be malfunctions in the operation of these systems.

Consider what will be, if there is a tumor of the spine, the symptoms of its various departments.

Signs of a tumor in the cervical spine

The tumor process in the cervical region significantly affects the general condition of a person, as it is close to the brain.

A tumor of the cervical spine symptoms will have the following:

• persistent pain in the neck;
• partial paralysis is possible;

• paralysis of the intercostal muscles can lead to respiratory arrest;
• fainting
• nausea and may be vomiting;
• headache complaints;
• coma;
• Dizziness
• the swallowing process is disrupted.

If you press on the jugular veins, pain occurs at the site of the tumor. When the head is tilted, a headache appears. Also, a tumor of the cervical spine also has symptoms such as shooting pains in the arm, radiating to the neck and even to the jaw.

How does a thoracic tumor appear?

The tumor formed in this section is the most dangerous. Because in this area are all vital organs: heart, kidneys, lungs and others. A growing tumor disrupts their work. A tumor of the thoracic spine symptoms will have the following:

• development of disorders in the cardiovascular system;
• dyspnea;
• violation of the digestive system;
• jumps in blood pressure;
• intolerance to physical exertion;
• rapid onset of fatigue.

It is also possible the spread of pain in the heart, chest, abdomen or pain in the hands.

If a tumor of the thoracic spine is diagnosed, symptoms, treatment should be monitored by a doctor, therefore hospitalization is indicated. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary.

It is worth noting that if there is a malignant tumor of the thoracic spine, exercise therapy is contraindicated. Since the condition can dramatically worsen, stress should be avoided.

Symptoms of a tumor of the lumbosacral spine

Tumors in this section of the spinal column can significantly affect the pelvic organs and the sensitivity of the legs. The slightest suspicion of the development of pathology cannot be ignored.

A lumbar spine tumor symptoms will have the following:

• regular back pain;
• difficulty walking
• failure of the menstrual cycle in women;
• malfunctioning of the genitourinary system;
• decreased sensitivity in the lower extremities;
• uncontrolled urination and defecation;
• impotence in men.

If a lumbar spine tumor grows, the symptoms are sometimes very similar to signs of lumbosacral radiculitis. There is a compression of the spinal roots.

The following manifestations are observed:

• sharp pain in the lower back with backache in the thigh or buttock;
• decreased sensitivity of the lower extremities along with discoloration. Also, the leg can become bluish in color, cold to the touch.

This very serious lesion can cause paralysis or a complete lack of sensation in the legs. Symptoms of a tumor in the sacral spine are absolutely similar to those when the tumor is located in the lumbar region, as it manifests itself in the lower back.

Signs of a tumor in the spine

As we found out earlier, a tumor can be benign or malignant. The type of treatment depends on the type of tumor in the spine.

Common signs of benign neoplasms in the spine:

• the tumor has a capsule;
• the neoplasm grows, increases in size, while it begins to compress the surrounding tissue;
• benign tumor cells rarely divide, as they are highly differentiated;
• growth is very slow;
• no metastases.

Benign tumors are successfully treated. By surgery, the tumor can be completely eliminated. However, this is a very complicated operation, since all this is carried out very close to the spinal cord, with a large number of nerve endings and large blood vessels.

Characterization of a malignant tumor on the spine:

• she does not have a capsule;
• germinates in neighboring organs and tissues;
• tumor cells divide very often;
• education is growing rapidly;
• there are metastases.

Next, we consider the common signs of a malignant tumor of the spine and spinal cord. Symptoms

• sudden weight loss;
• fever;
• severe pain;
• weakness in the body;
• fatigue occurs very quickly even with minor physical exertion;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea;
• violation of the functioning of internal organs;
• there are external signs if the tumor grows outward;
• paralysis of the arms and legs;
• numbness muscle twitching.

A malignant tumor of the spine will certainly have symptoms. The photo clearly shows how such a neoplasm looks if it grows outward.

Diagnosis of a spinal tumor

First of all, the patient should be examined by a doctor.

What signs can a specialist find upon examination:

• limitation of mobility;
• scoliosis;
• violation of posture, gait, movements;
• amyotrophy;
• involuntary muscle contraction;
• points of maximum pain;
• new formations;
• the presence of muscle spasm or its absence;
• lack of muscle sensitivity;
• violation of deep tendon reflexes.

If during examination there is a suspicion of the presence of a metastatic process, a more thorough physical examination is performed. Of course, symptoms will be pronounced if there is a malignant tumor of the spine.

By palpation examine:

• mammary gland;
• thyroid gland;
• the rectum;
• prostate gland.

To clarify the diagnosis, laboratory tests are prescribed. This includes:

• complete blood count;
• Analysis of urine.

Then the patient will be referred to an x-ray. If there is an assumption that the tumor has a place to be, it is necessary to send the patient for a more thorough examination to an oncologist and neurosurgeon.

In order to clarify the localization of the tumor process and determine its stage, magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed. This is the most informative research method. It gives a layered picture not only about the location of the tumor, but also about changes in neighboring organs, the degree of its germination in blood vessels and other tissues.

In order to determine the degree of tumor activity, a radioisotope scan is used. How does this happen:

1. A special drug is administered to the patient intravenously, which has a radioactive label. It accumulates in the tissues of the tumor.
2. Then, using a special gamma camera, it is determined how the drug was distributed in the organs.

In order to determine whether a malignant tumor or not, and to find out its structure, a biopsy is used. To do this, use a special needle that is inserted deep into the tumor. A small piece of tissue is taken and subsequently examined under a microscope.

Methods for treating a spinal tumor

For each type of tumor, the treatment method is selected individually, taking into account its features and localization. A combination of several methods is possible.

Consider what types of treatment exist.

1. Medication.

They use analgesics to help fight pain. These are narcotic and non-narcotic drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections of suppositories are also used.

These are non-narcotic drugs:

• "Analgin";
• Diclofenac
• Ketanov
• Nurofen
• "Aspirin".

Narcotic drugs:

• Tramadol
• Morphine
• "Promedol".

Narcotic drugs are prescribed only for special indications and are purchased according to special recipes.

2. Removal of tumors.

Surgical disposal of the neoplasm is not always possible, since it can be located very close to the spinal cord, vital organs.

How can a tumor be removed:

• the tumor is completely removed;
• part of the accessible area of ​​the tumor is removed. The remainder is affected by other methods;
• operations that relieve pain and reduce the manifestation of other symptoms. In general, this does not affect the outcome of the disease. It is possible to remove the entire tumor or part, but metastases remain. This will reduce the pain.

3. Non-surgical treatment.

• If a benign tumor of the spine, the symptoms are very mild or absent, for older people in such cases often choose the method of observation. Provided that the tumor does not progress and does not threaten other organs.
• Chemotherapy.
• Radiation or radiotherapy. Use if the tumor or part of it is inoperable. Cancer cells or debris are destroyed by radiation. This type of treatment allows you to reduce the size of the tumor, reduce growth, affect the number of metastases that cannot be removed.
• Targeted therapy. It allows you to use drugs that cause minimal harm to the body as a whole. Since the method of chemotherapy uses highly toxic substances, in radiation therapy - radiation, this adversely affects the whole body, not only the tumor process.

Alternative methods of treating tumors

It is worth saying a few words about traditional medicine in the treatment of spinal tumors.

Using the advice of folk doctors in the treatment of diseases, as shown by many years of practice, is ineffective. But with benign formations, it is not prohibited to use such recipes. In this case, you can not refuse the therapy that the doctor prescribed.

To start using any kind of folk recipes is necessary only after consulting a doctor. You should not rely only on alternative methods of treatment, the disease is very likely to start, then there will be very little chance of defeating it.

We will name some plants that are used in the treatment of spinal tumors:

• celandine;
• ginseng;
• Oak bark;
• viburnum;
• plantain;
• mummy;
• St. John's wort and many others.

To relieve pain, various tinctures and fees are prepared.

To reduce pain, use this grinding:

It is necessary to take such components: kerosene, sunflower oil, burning cayenne pepper. Mix all ingredients and insist in a dark place for a week. Grind only before bedtime.

Infusions are used to prevent tumor growth. Here is one of them:

Prepared from ginseng root. It must be crushed and filled with 0.5 liters of vodka. Insists in a dark place for about three weeks. It is necessary to apply 5 grams 2 times a day. After 7 days, reduce the intake to 2.5 grams per day. Continue taking for a month. Then you need to take a break of 12 days and repeat the course again.

It should be remembered that in the presence of a tumor process in the spine, one should not diligently do physical exercises that create a load. It is necessary to observe peace and monitor your diet, as well as give up bad habits.

What is the prognosis of a spinal tumor?

Many factors determine what the outcome of a spinal tumor for a patient will be. Here are some of them:

• Type of tumor. Malignant or benign.
• The location of the tumor.
• Timely diagnosis and treatment. The sooner they discovered and started treatment, the greater the chances of recovery.
• The presence of chronic diseases.
• The age of the patient.
• Are there metastases in other organs.

Prevention of spinal tumors

We highlight several basic rules for the prevention of spinal tumor formation:

• It is necessary to undergo an annual examination with an oncologist and take tests for people who are at risk. Namely, these are those who have poor heredity, adverse working conditions, people who are exposed to ionizing radiation, and so on.
• Timely treatment of benign neoplasms. Do not let them degenerate into malignant. Keep the process under control.
• Limit interactions with harmful chemicals.
• Wear protective equipment in hazardous areas.
• Avoid spinal injuries. Follow safety instructions.
• Stop smoking.
• Eliminate excessive sun exposure.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle.

For any back pain, consult a doctor. The sooner a disease is diagnosed, the greater the chance of a successful treatment.