Malignant tumors are divided into two types: cancer and sarcoma. In the first embodiment, the epithelium of the internal organs is affected, in the second - the connective tissue. Sarcoma of the spine belongs to the category of oncological diseases. It is quite rare and is malignant. In addition, it is very difficult to diagnose and cure. This is due to the fact that in the early stages there are practically no symptoms. The tumor is usually located in a dangerous place close to internal organs. The disease is diagnosed by the joint efforts of an oncologist, surgeon and neurosurgery specialist. It is worth noting that this formation has a tendency to increase in size, and in this case, a high probability of death.
Sarcoma of the spine: what kind of disease?
I must say that this tumor can affect absolutely all connective tissue structures, that is, muscles, cartilage, bones. Oncology of this type is most common among children. This is due to the fact that the child has a rapid growth in connective tissue composition. More often oncology affects males.
Spinal sarcoma is a malignant tumor that affects connective tissue. This disease is characterized by rapid growth and progression. Sarcoma is far from the most popular disease, but one of the most dangerous. This disease of the spine is the second most popular cause of death from malignant tumors (after cancer). This is due to the rapid development of the tumor, the early appearance of metastases, frequent relapses.
Disease classification
Spinal sarcoma presses on the structure of the organ, as a result of which the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid is impeded. This disease is distinguished by one classification: depending on the place of origin of the neoplasm.
The following types of pathology are distinguished:
- Osteosarcoma, which is localized on the spinal column. It is observed mainly in men, adolescents and children. It is characterized by the fact that it spreads metastases to other organs. In the early stages, the patient feels a dull mild pain, and many attribute this to the consequences of a bruise or injury. However, as the tumor develops, the pain intensifies significantly, the skin at the site of the lesion becomes thinner. The patient cannot move normally, and the pain continues day and night, and no medication helps.
- Chondrosarcoma. This type of disease affects the cartilage of the spine. It is usually observed in men from 25 to 30 years. Chondrosarcoma begins to develop on the arches of the vertebra, and then goes on to tissues, ribs and cartilage.
- Fibrosarcoma. This disease is localized in the tendon area. As for the symptoms, there is one feature. With this disease, a blue-brown knot is formed at the site of the lesion, which hurts when you click on it. The tumor is characterized by rapid growth, forming metastases. Often relapses appear during treatment.
- Plasmacytoma. This disease with the longest course affects the human vertebrae. Most often observed in people over forty years old. The disease is quite difficult to detect. It manifests itself as pain between the shoulder blades. As it develops, the pain intensifies, the spine becomes fragile, prone to fractures.
- Ewing's spine sarcoma. The disease is a malignant tumor of the skeleton. Of all the above species is one of the most dangerous and common. In most cases, it is found in children.
Causes of the disease
Many factors influence the appearance of spinal sarcoma: back injuries, ailments leading to a malignant tumor, etc. Most scientists agree that the main reason lies in a genetic defect. Some experts believe that sarcoma may appear according to the program for the development of tumors in the body when exposed to provoking circumstances.
The main causes of spinal sarcoma are:
- malnutrition;
- negative effects of chemicals;
- smoking;
- stay under the sun for a long time;
- spinal injury.
These factors give impetus to the formation of oncology. A malignant tumor appears on the spine, metastases germinate, forming a sarcoma. It can appear on any site, and even inside the spine. Primary neoplasm appears due to genetic defects, and secondary ones as a result of germination of metastases from other organs.
Signs of Sarcoma
As already noted, this disease at the beginning of its development is almost asymptomatic. However, then, in the process of tumor growth, the disease affects other tissues. Symptoms and manifestations of spinal sarcoma depend on the location and nature of the lesion. Also an important factor is the patient's age, the presence of diseases of other organs.
Depending on the position, symptoms are distinguished in the neck, thoracic region and lower back. Symptoms of spinal sarcoma are usually divided into three groups:
- Radicular. These symptoms appear earlier than others, the patient complains of pains resembling sciatica. Moreover, the discomfort can be of a different nature: from acute attacks to constant stretching pain. In the lying position, the feeling only intensifies, the patient feels a burning sensation and tingling in the limbs.
- Segmented. These signs are characteristic of those diseases that are localized in the spine itself. A malignant tumor restricts movement, tissue numbness is possible.
- Conducting. Some of the most unpleasant symptoms of spinal sarcoma, as they cause paresis and paralysis. The patient complains of decreased sensitivity of the limbs.
Other symptoms of the disease
The three groups of signs of sarcoma discussed above are not the only ones with this disease. The main, main symptom is pain. At first, it appears at times, quickly subsiding, sometimes the body temperature rises. With the development of sarcoma of the spine, the painful sensations become simply unbearable, they do not let you fall asleep, no medications help.
When a malignancy increases in size, it presses on the spinal cord. As a result, fecal and urine incontinence occurs. In addition, a person's gait changes, coordination of movements is disturbed, hematomas appear. It should be noted that this disease has all the signs of cancer. For example, with a sarcoma, a person loses weight, apathy, irritability and weakness appear. Sometimes symptoms are manifested only by seals in the back.
A few years ago, the media reported that the President of the Russian Federation discovered the disease. Putin’s spinal sarcoma was suspected after a parade in Sevastopol on May 9, 2014. Journalists noted the changed gait of the first person in the country, and also suggested that he wears a corset to maintain the spine or to hide the tumor. However, this information was not confirmed by facts and remained just a hunch.
Diagnostics
As already noted, sarcoma is quite difficult to identify, for this several specialists join their efforts at once. The final diagnosis is made, taking into account the patient's complaints, the history of his illness, the results of a general and neurological examination. Diagnosis of spinal sarcoma is carried out using laboratory tests and various procedures. When conducting radiography in patients, a lesion is found in the vertebra, which has a contour with uneven edges.
A specialist can suspect the presence of a tumor according to relevant signs: pain, impaired coordination, limited movement. Blood tests allow you to see violations, anemia occurs. If metastases appear, then the composition of urine changes. In order to accurately diagnose sarcoma, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound scan, biopsy and histological analysis. A photo of spinal sarcoma is presented in the article.
After carrying out all the necessary studies, several specialists diagnose and prescribe therapy.
Treatment
There are not so many methods for treating this disease. It is recommended that at the first detection of the disease go to the oncology clinic, and there to conduct therapy. If the diagnosis was made quickly, and the sarcoma has not yet managed to increase in size, then radical surgery is used. With its help, an operation is performed to remove the tumor and nearby tissues. If the focus of the lesion is the spinal cord, then it will be very difficult to eliminate the formation. Unfortunately, this disease is detected, most often, in the late stages. Then surgical intervention loses its relevance, this method is used only for palliative purposes.
Treatment of spinal sarcoma is recommended with chemotherapy. This method is prescribed for all patients, as it can be used to reduce the size of the tumor, as well as stop the growth and spread of metastases. In most cases, spinal sarcoma leads to disability or death. Oncologists are currently trying to find an effective way to treat this disease, but so far their attempts have failed.
Here I recall the situation with Putin’s alleged spinal sarcoma. Despite the fact that the media assured that the president was seriously ill, he remains at his post.
Prevention
It is worth noting that there is no specific way to protect yourself from the appearance of a malignant tumor. However, timely contact with a specialist and regular medical examinations that reveal abnormalities in the body are excellent as a preventative measure. The whole point is that the sooner a sarcoma of the spine or any other malignant tumor is detected, the higher the chances of a full recovery.
A few tips for preventing the disease:
- lead a healthy lifestyle, choose the right diet;
- give up bad habits, including smoking and alcohol;
- prevention of injuries and damage.
The main thing is a healthy lifestyle and timely treatment of diseases and ailments. It must be said that there are so-called risk groups that are more prone to the occurrence of malignant tumors. These include people with an unfavorable heredity, as well as those who have been exposed to radiation. Such patients must undergo a scheduled examination with an oncologist. When the first signs of sarcoma appear, namely painful sensations in the spine, you should immediately consult a specialist. It should be remembered that it is easier to cure a nascent disease.
Spinal sarcoma prognosis
To talk about the forecast, you need to analyze various factors. For example, the type of malignancy and its type have a strong influence on the result. The success of treatment and the possibility of recovery depends on them. The location of the tumor also plays a large role. After all, if it is located in a safe place, and has not yet managed to grow to a huge size, you can apply surgical intervention, and completely get rid of the disease. In addition, it is worth considering the patient's age, the presence or absence of other diseases and metastases.
All these factors indicate that the prognosis of sarcoma is individual for each patient. Even with a successful operation, complete recovery cannot be guaranteed. A huge role is played by the rehabilitation process, which lasts quite a while. Moreover, the timely detection of malignancy and the use of effective methods of treatment do not give confidence in a positive prognosis of sarcoma.
Survival
In fact, survival, like the prognosis, is determined by the type of malignant tumor, its location, the patient’s body characteristics and the treatment method chosen. Thus, spinal sarcoma survival at 5 years is about 50%. Modern methods of treatment and radical surgical intervention do not guarantee a positive outcome. For example, if a patient has Ewing's sarcoma of the sacral spine, then a dispensary is waiting for him until the end of his life.
Constant examinations allow you to notice the complications of the disease, monitor its development. Thanks to this information, the doctor can adjust the therapy during treatment. Summarizing all of the above, we note that spinal sarcoma is a malignant lesion that affects connective tissue structures. This disease is very difficult to diagnose and cure. There are several types of such tumors, the type of therapy and the possibility of full recovery depend on the type and scale of development of which.
It is worth noting that this disease is quite rare. If it is detected in a timely manner and proceed to treatment, there is a high chance of a successful recovery.