Spinal Tumors
The spinal column is composed of a series of vertebrae varying in size, stacked on top of each other, known as "vertebrae". The physiological function of the vertebrae is to protect the spinal cord. These tumors occur either in the bony vertebrae of the spinal column or in the regions of the spinal cord and its nerve roots, due to genetic abnormalities in cells or as a result of other types of cancer developing in other parts of the body. In later stages, the cancerous tumor spreads to affect the spinal column. In this article, we will address various questions and answers about spinal tumors.
What are the symptoms of spinal cancer?
- Back pain, worsening at night.
- Paralysis in one or more parts of the body, varying in severity depending on the medical condition.
- Decreased sensitivity to temperature changes.
- Dysfunction in bladder and bowel functions.
- Pain at the site of the tumor in the back, varying in intensity depending on the patient's condition.
- Difficulty walking, sometimes accompanied by falls.
What are the treatment methods for spinal tumors?
- Medication: Various types of drugs are used to alleviate pain and negative effects caused by spinal tumors. Corticosteroids are at the forefront of these drugs; however, prolonged use of medication has negative consequences such as high blood pressure, weakened immune system, osteoporosis, and increased risk of diabetes.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used alone or after surgery or in conjunction with radiation therapy to complement and control spinal cancer and reduce its spread. However, chemotherapy is accompanied by some complications such as fatigue, continuous hair loss, nausea, as well as risks of bacterial and viral infections.
- Radiation therapy: This type of treatment is used in cases where surgical treatment is not feasible. It is also sometimes used after spinal tumor surgery to eliminate cancerous tissue remnants that could not be completely removed surgically. Radiation therapy is also used in dealing with some spinal tumors to reduce pain associated with spinal cancer. Advanced types of radiation therapy are available during this period, which can destroy cancer cells without affecting healthy tissues, using proton beam applications.
