If you see your doctor for a problem with your spine that is not caused by an injury, you will likely be evaluated to see if a spinal tumor is present. If you are diagnosed with a spinal tumor, a spine specialist should be a member of the team overseeing your health care. Dr. Kornel is a neurological spine surgeon in New York City who can diagnose and treat your tumor.
There are many types of spinal tumors. A tumor may be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Some tumors in this area are primary, meaning they start in or around the spinal cord. Most, however, are secondary. This means that they have metastasized from elsewhere in the body. For example, lung cancer might cause a tumor to develop in the spine.
Some types of spinal tumors are:
Vertebral Tumors: These affect the bones of the spine.
Intramedullary Tumors: This type develops in the spinal cord itself.
Extramedullary Tumors: These develop in the cells and structures that support the spinal cord.
If you have an intramedullary or extramedullary tumor you will want a neurological spine surgeon involved in your care.
Although most spinal tumors begin in the middle of the back, they can also occur in the neck or lumbar (lower) vertebrae.
Sometimes, patients do not have any symptoms with spinal tumors, particularly in the early stages. As time progresses, the most common symptom is back pain. You might experience problems with your bowel or bladder habits, difficulty walking, neck nerve pain and weakness in your arms or legs, depending on where the tumor is located.
It is important to see a spine specialist if you have the symptoms of a spinal tumor. Remember that many times, these symptoms are caused by something other than cancer. Even noncancerous tumors can cause permanent damage if not treated, however, so early detection and treatment can help you avoid complications.
If you have had cancer in the past or currently have cancer and you begin experiencing back or neck pain, contact your doctor at once, as metastatic tumors in the spine can grow very quickly.
Treatment of a spinal tumor depends on the cause. If you have cancer, then chemotherapy, radiation and various medications will often be used to fight the cancer and shrink the tumor. Spinal surgery is also a common approach; your surgeon may be able to remove the entire tumor or may only be able to remove the part that is affecting your spinal cord. Steroids can help reduce inflammation associated with the tumor.
During and after treatment, you may need to have physical therapy to help you regain muscle control and strength that was affected by the tumor itself and also by the surgery, if applicable.
If you have a spinal tumor, you deserve experienced surgeons to provide comprehensive spine care. Dr. Ezriel Kornel and Dr. Krishn Sharma can help you overcome the pain of your condition. Please call (914) 353-4106 to schedule a consultation appointment today!