Although you may not have been diagnosed with cancer near your spine, the risk of developing it is incredibly high. If you’re not sure if you’re suffering from it, read on to find out what to look for and how to fight it. There are many different types of cancer in your body, and finding out what is causing your tumor can be a huge relief. Listed below are some of the more common types of cancer near the spine.
Giant cell tumor: This type of tumor is named for its appearance under a microscope. It consists of giant cells – usually from fusions of different cells – and may affect the vertebrae. Meningioma: This type of tumor is typically found in the brain, and affects the meninges or spinal cord linings. Nerve sheath tumors, which form on the peripheral nerve roots that exit the spine, are known as schwannomas. Another type of cancer known as hemangioblastoma arises from blood vessels that are connected to the central nervous system.
Intramedullary tumor: These tumors arise in the area surrounding the spinal cord and are usually benign. In general, they grow slowly and are slow-growing. If you develop one of these types of cancer, it may affect your vision and the way you read written words. In addition to tumors near the spine, there are several types of cancer that can affect the brain and spinal cord. This type of cancer is especially dangerous if it has spread into the spinal cord and is affecting the nervous system.
Treatment for cancer near spine has many different options. If you have a family history of this type of cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic testing or genetic counseling to rule out other cancers. Early treatment of cancer near the spine can often cure the disease and prolong life. Regular checkups and follow-ups will help detect spinal tumor metastases. However, you may have to undergo some invasive treatments to stop the spread of cancer.
There are other symptoms that may signal the presence of a tumor. If the tumor presses on the spinal cord, the patient may experience pain or numbness in their legs. Other symptoms may include clumsiness, difficulty pushing buttons or even paralysis. In some cases, the tumor may spread to the distant primary tumor site. The good news is that early detection is the best way to fight cancer. The risk of spine metastases is much lower than it is for other types of cancer.
The decision to proceed with surgery is based on several factors, including the patient’s health and desired course of treatment. Surgical treatment is often the first option, as it is the safest way to remove the tumor. However, some tumors may turn malignant and require radiation or chemotherapy. It is important to consult your doctor to determine the right treatment for your situation. You can also consider various nonsurgical treatments to minimize the risks of surgery or chemotherapy.
