What is a vertebral tumour?
A vertebral tumour is a growth that develops in your spinal cord or in the bones that make up your spine. There are two main types of vertebral or spinal tumours, namely intramedullary tumours, which begin within the spinal cord, and extramedullary tumours, which develop around the spinal cord. Vertebral tumours can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). They may cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, pain, neurological problems as well as paralysis in some cases. It is therefore very important that you seek treatment for all spinal tumours. Tumours from other body regions can spread to the vertebrae, the spinal cord's supporting network, or, in rare circumstances, the spinal cord itself (metastasise). Tumours or growths of any kind in the spine can cause discomfort, neurological difficulties, and even paralysis. A spinal tumour can be life-threatening and leave you unable for the rest of your life.
What are intramedullary tumours?
Intramedullary cancers, such as gliomas, astrocytoma's, and ependymomas, start in the cells of the spinal cord itself.
What are extramedullary tumours?
Extramedullary tumours develop in the spinal cord membrane or in the nerve roots that branch out from it. Although these tumours do not originate in the spinal cord, they can disrupt spinal cord function by producing spinal cord compression and other issues. Meningiomas, neurofibromas, schwannomas, and nerve sheath tumours are examples of extramedullary tumours that can impact the spinal cord.
How can my lumbar tumour be removed?
There are various methods that can be used to treat spinal tumours. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and observations are nonsurgical options to consider. If there is no sign of progress after these methods have been tried, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the tumour. Your surgeon will indicate what type of surgery you require, as this will vary depending on the type of tumour and the location of the growth. The desired outcome of the surgery will be the total removal of the tumour while preserving the function of the sensitive spinal nerves.
FAQ:
While some spinal tumours are asymptomatic, the majority induce back pain and may result in neurological impairments such as numbness or weakness.
Tumours that have disseminated to the spine from another location frequently advance swiftly. Primary tumours can take weeks to years to progress.
Tumours or growths of any kind in the spine can cause discomfort, neurological difficulties, and even paralysis. A spinal tumour can be life-threatening.
I am a qualified neurosurgeon following my pre- and postgraduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch and currently have private practices at Netcare N1 City, which caters for the northern suburbs of Cape Town and Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital, which caters for the west coast of Cape Town and Western Cape.
Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital
Tel: +27 (0)21 554 0779 / Fax: +27 (0)21 554 2144
Email: bbhinfo@capeneurospine.co.za
Netcare N1 City Hospital
Tel: 021 595 4633 / Fax: 021-595 3446
Email: info@capeneurospine.co.za