- What Are Spine Tumours?
- Causes and Risk Factors of Spine Tumours
- Symptoms of Spine Tumours
- How Spine Tumours Are Diagnosed
- Treatment Options for Spine Tumours
- Recovery and Prognosis After Spine Tumour Surgery
- Risks and Complications of Spine Tumour Surgery
- Cost of Spine Tumour Treatment in Jabalpur
- Why Choose Our Spine Tumour Specialist in Jabalpur?
- Frequently Asked Questions
The spinal cord is one of the crucial body parts that comprises cells and nerve bundles. The spine is what protects the spinal cord. It is a column of bones that is quite flexible, allowing bending of the back. The spine stretches from the skull base to the tailbone.
A tumour in this part of the body is termed a spine tumour. This guide will help you understand the risks, management, and spine tumour treatment available in Jabalpur. We will also help you get along with one of the best spinal tumour surgeons in India.
What Are Spine Tumours?
Spine tumour can form inside the spinal cord, in the tissues that cover the cord, between bones and tissues of the spinal cord, or in the vertebrae of the spine. Spine tumour treatment depends on the type, location, and stage of the tumour.
- Types of Spine Tumours
- If the spine tumour develops in the spine, it is known as a primary tumour. However, if it develops due to cancer in any other body part which spreads to the spine, it is a result of metastasis and is termed as secondary tumours.
- Benign vs Malignant Spine Tumours
- Tumours can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Those that are cancerous are known as malignant, and those that are non-cancerous are benign.
- How Spine Tumours Affect the Vertebrae and Spinal Cord
- Spine tumours can weaken vertebrae or even cause them to collapse. This leads to pain and instability of the spine. Numbness, weakness of the limbs and paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel control are other symptoms of spinal cord compression.
Note: Get affordable spinal tumour surgery in Jabalpur with Dr Arun Karthik.
Causes and Risk Factors of Spine Tumours
Risk factors and probable causes of spine tumour are discussed below:
- Genetic Conditions
- Inherited disorders like Neurofibromatosis and von Hippel-Lindau can increase the risk of spine tumours in the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.
- Family History and Predisposition
- Though unsure, scientists think genetic links may also increase risks. If a family has a history of spinetumours, it may increase the risk of the same for their direct relatives.
- Radiation Exposure and Immunocompromised State
- Exposure to cancerous elements increases the risk of developing spine cancer. Also, people with immunocompromised conditions have a higher risk of developing spinal cord lymphomas.
- Unknown or Idiopathic Causes
- In most cases, no probable cause of spine tumour can be traced. These are simply termed as unknown or idiopathic causes in science.
Symptoms of Spine Tumours
Common symptoms of spine tumours are mentioned below:
- Persistent Back Pain or Neck Pain
- Back pain due to a spine tumour is one of the common symptoms. The pain in the back or neck is often persistent in such cases.
- Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness in Limbs
- Numbness or weakness in limbs leads to difficulty holding objects, or writing.
- Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
- In some cases, people also experience loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Difficulty Walking or Maintaining Balance
- Since nerves are pressed due to the tumour, walking or maintaining balance also becomes difficult.
- Radicular Pain
- In some patients, the pain radiates to arms or legs causing discomfort and persistent pain.
How Spine Tumours Are Diagnosed
If the doctors suspect a spine tumour, a detailed diagnosis is carried out. Diagnosis of spinal tumours may involve the following procedures:
- Neurological and Physical Examination
- The spinal cord tumour specialist may ask questions about your health and medical history. Along with this, the doctor may also perform neurological tests to check the strength, pain, tenderness, or other issues related to the spine.
- Advanced Imaging
- Along with physical examinations, imaging tests may also be done. It may include CT Scan, X-Ray, bone scan, and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
- Biopsy and Laboratory Tests
- A biopsy may also be done for further examination. In this, a sample of tissue from the tumour is taken to test. Other lab tests may also be done like blood tests.
Note: Looking for a neurosurgeon for spine tumours in Jabalpur? Book your consultation today with Dr Arun Karthik.
Treatment Options for Spine Tumours
There are different spinal tumour treatment options. The choice of spinal tumour surgery depends on the type of tumour and location.
- Surgical Tumour Removal
- Surgical removal of the tumour may be suggested for metastatic tumours depending on the condition of the tumour. The spinal area is surgically cut open to remove the tumour. Recovery after spine tumour surgery is the crucial part.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Tumour Surgery
- In some cases, minimally invasive spine tumour surgery may be done. Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty are done by a spine surgeon or neurosurgeon to inject bone cement into the spine to maintain the stability of the spine
- Radiation Therapy
- In radiation therapy, high doses of X-rays are targeted at the tumour cells to shrink or destroy them. It reduces the pain due to tumours.
- Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
- Chemotherapy can be given by injections or cells. It targets the destruction of cells in the spine. In some cases, chemotherapy is done before the surgery to reduce the size of the tumour.
- Rehabilitation and Postoperative Care
- Restoring mobility, strength, and independence is the focus after the spine tumour surgery is done. Physiotherapy improves movement and balance.
Recovery and Prognosis After Spine Tumour Surgery
The risks and complications of spine tumour surgery cannot be ignored. Hence, long-term prognosis after spinal tumour treatment is a must.
- Hospital Stay and Immediate Postoperative Care
- For spine tumour surgery, the hospital stay can be a long one. Before and after surgery care often involves hospitalisation for a few days. Postoperative care is essential to improve health and aid recovery.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy
- During hospitalisation, physiotherapy also begins to restore the physical movement and ability of the patient. Occupational therapy is also suggested to improve daily activities.
- Long-Term Monitoring and Follow-Up
- Once surgery is done, the spine tumour neurosurgeon will closely monitor the patient. Even after discharge from the hospital, regular health check-ups are scheduled.
Risks and Complications of Spine Tumour Surgery
People often ask, “What are the risks of spine tumour surgery?” Well, spinal cord tumour surgeries have risks and complications involved. These are:
- Neurological Deficits
- Nerves around the spine may sometimes be affected, leading to neurological deficits. It may result in weakness or numbness in the region.
- Spinal Instability
- There is a risk of spinal instability. This is a probability when a part of the vertebrae is removed. When this is expected, instrument stabilisation is planned ahead to prevent this complication.
- Infection and Post-Surgical Pain
- After surgery, some patients may develop infections or bleeding, delayed healing, or pain.
Cost of Spine Tumour Treatment in Jabalpur
The cost of spine tumour treatment depends on several factors.
- Factors Affecting Treatment Cost
- The severity of the tumour, the type of treatment followed, and after-care account for the maximum treatment cost.
- Insurance and Cashless Payment Options
- If the patient has insurance for cashless treatment, it becomes easier to manage treatment expenses.
Why Choose Our Spine Tumour Specialist in Jabalpur?
Dr Arunkumar Karthikayan is one of the best spine tumour surgeons in Jabalpur. We suggest our centre in Jabalpur because:
- Expertise in Complex Spine Surgeries
- Dr Arun Karthik is the spine tumour specialist in Jabalpur. He has several years of experience in treating spine tumour patients. Whether it is an initial stage or a complex tumour, Dr Arun Karthik can help you get relief.
- Advanced Minimally Invasive and Open Techniques
- At our hospital, we have all the advanced arrangements for minimally invasive as well as open surgery techniques for spinal tumour surgery in Jabalpur.
- Multidisciplinary Approach and Patient-Centred Care
- We focus on the comfort, safety, and care of our patients. Following a multidisciplinary approach, we aim for effective treatment, rapid recovery, and long-term patient care.
FAQs on Spine Tumour Treatment
What are the symptoms of a spine tumour?
Persistent back or neck pain, numbness, loss of bowel or bladder control, difficulty maintaining balance, etc., are common symptoms of a spine tumour.
How are spine tumours treated?
The doctor may suggest the removal of the tumour surgically. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be suggested.
How long is the recovery after spine tumour surgery?
The recovery duration can take a few weeks. It depends on the age, severity of the tumour, and type of surgery involved.
Can spine tumours be treated without surgery?
Typically, a spine tumour requires surgical removal. It cannot be treated with medicines.
How much does spine tumour treatment cost in India?
The cost may vary depending on the hospital, type of treatment, and expertise of the surgeon.