Cancer of the spine: symptoms and manifestation, tumor treatment

Cancer of the spine

Spine cancer is a rare oncological disease characterized by the appearance of a malignant tumor in the spinal cord and the penetration of metastases into nearby organs and tissues.

Symptoms of cancer of the spine begin with pain, which increases with the development of the disease. Cancer of the spine can be asymptomatic for several weeks or months.

Causes of cancer

Malignant tumor - genetically altered cells with progressive growth (sprouting into nearby organs), a tendency to metastasize. It causes intoxication of the human body, taking away the nutrients necessary for normal life.

Physicians disagree on the prerequisites of the origin of the disease, so they are inclined to a number of reasons:

1. Effects on the body of chemical agents (carcinogens, dyes, hydrocarbons).
2. Physical factors caused by solar radiation and radiation.
3. Viruses that provoke cancer (for example, the virus of the papilloma).
4. The fall of immunity, due to congenital pathologies and AIDS.

Common manifestations

Metastases penetrate the vertebral column with the help of lymph or blood. But more often the tumor of the spinal cord begins to grow in vertebrae. Because of this localization of the neoplasm, the patient experiences pain in the affected area.

If the cancer of the spine manifests itself in the form of lymphoma, the patient is affected by the CNS.

The risk group for the formation of this cancer includes people over forty. The disease is equally dangerous for both men and women.

Cancer, affecting the vertebrae, has a negative effect on blood vessels, nerves, and the spinal cord.

Types of tumors

Malignant neoplasms can be of several kinds and can be localized in the following types of tissues:

• Chondrosarcoma, is formed in the cartilaginous tissue between the vertebrae. This kind of cancer of the spine is the most common. This area is heavily loaded, the entire weight of the body weighs on them.
• The appearance of a tumor in the bone tissue is an osteoritic sarcoma of the spine. It grows in the vertebrae itself.
• The defeat of the spinal cord, when the nervous tissue is affected, is called myeloma. Such a tumor can be single, but neoplasms of this nature are also multiple. Myeloma destroy the vertebra.
• Chondroma is a malignant neoplasm that forms in the chord. At the risk of the disease include people of middle or old age.
• Ewing's sarcoma is found in children, it affects the cells of the spinal cord. For all species is characterized by rapid growth, pain and metastasis in nearby organs.

Symptoms

As a rule, the symptoms of the disease manifest themselves in the active phase of the disease course. The first symptoms of the disease are pain.

First the pain appears from time to time, subsiding and renewing. The nature of pain is similar to muscle tension after physical exertion or back chondroses.

Usually, pain is manifested in the sacrum.

If you touch this place with your fingers, then under the skin you can feel a bump on the bone. When you press the tubercle, the pain becomes stronger.

Pain intensifies at night or when the patient lies. Mild pains are becoming stronger with the growth of neoplasm.

With the rapid growth of neoplasm, they become intolerable.

The growing neoplasm compresses the nerves, which leads to numbness in the arms and legs.

When the cancer of the spine is localized in the lower back or the area of ​​the sacrum, the legs become numb, and if the neoplasm is in the cervical region, they lose the sensitivity of the hand.

In addition to numbness for cancer, the sensation of fever in the fingers, cold flushing, fingers scratching, then begin to grow dull.

In this cancer, the functioning of the motor apparatus is disrupted. The patient is limited in movement, his gait changes. The patient begins to fall, and his muscles atrophy.

When examining the patient in the last stages of cancer, doctors note deformity of the spine.

The patient experiences difficulties with emptying (urinary retention, constipation) or vice versa, uncontrolled emptying of the intestine and bladder.

If the tumor is in the chest area, the patient suffers from shortness of breath, the heartbeat ceases to be rhythmic, there are problems with the digestive system.

When neoplasm in the cervical region affects almost the whole body below the tumor.

A person suffers from severe migraine headaches, he complains of difficulty when inhaling and exhaling.

Symptoms of late stages

In later stages, cancer manifests itself in the weakness of the body, the patient is dizzy, he loses his appetite. Changing taste preferences, people do not want to eat meat, its work capacity is reduced. The patient throws in a cold sweat, he suffers from insomnia, rapidly losing weight.

If such factors occur, then the patient's predisposition to oncological diseases and entry into a risk group should be taken into account. In these cases, the patient is recommended to be examined by a doctor.

Diagnosis - neurological testing

Neurological testing is used for diagnosis.With its help you can see the muscle tone, their reflexion, understand the reaction of sensory functions.

Use for diagnosis can be magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.

To reveal the cancer the doctor uses an electroencephalogram and a tomography of all departments of the spine.

Operation

To treat the disease, a surgical method is used, aimed at excising metastases and tumors. The operations are performed in the initial phase of the disease. Minus this method: it is easy to damage the nerves of the affected department during surgery.

The patients are operated using microscopes. With his help, the doctor separates healthy cells from the sick.

But not all metastases in the spine can be removed, so often the manipulation to eliminate the tumor is supplemented with radiation or chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy

Possible treatment with hormones, which also do not give the neoplasm to grow rapidly. Hormonal therapy can not eliminate the tumor, but it reduces the burden on the vertebral column. The most common medicine for this therapy is dexamethasone.

In parallel with the above methods of treatment, immunostimulating therapy is used, due to which substances (laferobion, interferon) enter the body, stimulating immunity.

Irradiation

Treatment can be carried out by irradiation with the help of ionizing radiation.In the late stages of the disease, therapy is used to reduce pain.It is performed by anesthetics and narcotics.

A source: https://pozvonochnik.guru/opuholi/rak-pozvonochnika.html

Spine cancer: symptoms and signs, diagnosis and treatment

Cancer of the spine is one of the most dangerous possible causes of back pain. A tumor can develop directly in the spine or metastasize from another organ.

Most tumors are not malignant. Even if cancer is excluded, the tumor can bring a lot of health problems, so the doctor should prescribe treatment.

In some cases, surgery may be required.

Tumor forms

There are two forms of cancer of the spine: primary and secondary. Primary cancer, which originates in spinal structures, is quite rare. That is, the primary form of cancer is when the cancer cells originally started their development in the spine.

Much more common is the secondary form of cancer. It is characterized by a metastatic spread of cancer into the spine from another organ, for example, from the lungs, breast or brain.

Spine cancer can attack almost any of the many structural elements of the spine, including nerves, spinal cord, and bones. Depending on the location of the tumor, the symptoms can range from severe to almost invisible.

The spine is the conductor of all nerve endings in the body, therefore any tumor that contacts or affects the dorsal the brain, through compression, can take extremely serious consequences for the affected patient, ranging from neuropathy and ending paralysis. Many types of cancer are detected in connection with the symptomatic manifestations in the back or neck. In these cases, pain can actually save a patient's life.

Common symptoms of spinal cord cancer

Unfortunately, the first symptoms of spine cancer may be absent for some time. The most notable symptom is pain.

Painful sensations can come from the presence of a tumor in the spine, which, by pressing on sensitive nerve endings, causes discomfort and soreness in the back area.

When the tumor presses on the spinal cord, the symptoms can begin with numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. As the disease progresses, the spinal symptoms of cancer can lead to weakness and, ultimately, paralysis.

Some common signs of spinal cord tumors may include the following:

• pain in the back, neck or extremities;
• muscle weakness or numbness in the hands and feet;
• difficulty walking;
• total loss of sensitivity;
• difficulty urinating (urinary incontinence);
• difficulty with bowel movement (constipation);
• paralysis in varying degrees;
• deformation of the spine;
• pain in walking or difficulty with orientation.

The first symptoms and manifestations of cancer of the spine is very important in time to notice and consult with a specialist.

Symptoms may differ depending on the localization of tumor development:

1. When the cervical region is affected, the patient may notice soreness in the upper back, which gives to the upper limbs.
2. If the thoracic area has been affected, then severe chest pain, which is worse during the prone position, and numbness of the skin are observed.
3. When the lumbar region is affected, soreness is felt in the lower back. In this case, the lower limbs will also suffer. The patient can observe numbness of the skin on his legs, pain, and in severe cases, gait disturbance. If the tumor has reached a large size, then such important processes as urination and defecation are violated.

Cancer risk factors

The causes of tumors of the spine are still largely unknown. Despite the fact that there are some genetic conditions for the development of this disease, it is also possible to single out frequent causes leading to the degeneration of healthy cells into abnormal cells.

Cancer risk factors:

• weakened immune system;
• hereditary diseases: Hippel-Lindau disease and type 2 neurofibromatosis;
• negative effects: exposure to radiation therapy or industrial chemicals may increase the likelihood of developing a spinal cancer.

People with AIDS are more likely to be affected by malignant cells of the spine. As you know, this disease completely depresses the immune system, so the development of cancer tumors increases at times.

Diagnostic Methods

In order for the doctor to refute or confirm the presence of the disease, the patient must undergo a number of diagnostic procedures. They begin with a visual examination of the back, a doctor's questioning about the manifestation of symptoms. After it will be necessary to pass tests for hormones, enzymes and oncomarkers.

With the accuracy to put the final diagnosis will help the following instrumental methods:

• Ultrasound;
• X-ray;
• CT;
• MRI;
• biopsy.

Methods of treatment

Experts say that there is no specific treatment for cancer tumors near the spine, but most of them require urgent drug therapy.

The following treatment methods are distinguished:

• surgical intervention - is prescribed only in the early stages and provides for the complete removal of tumors and metastases;
• hormonal therapy - the patient is injected with hormones (most often the doctors use sex hormones) that can inhibit the growth of the tumor;
• radiation therapy - cancer cells are amenable to ionizing radiation;
• chemotherapy - the patient is injected with drugs that prevent cancer from actively progressing, as the rapid division of abnormal cells is inhibited;
• immunomodulating therapy - special drugs are introduced that will help the patient's body to strengthen the work of immunity;
• symptomatic therapy - the patient will be injected with strong drugs that can reduce pain (most often use narcotic drugs).

In order to determine the method of treatment, the doctor relies on such factors as the age of the patient, the size and stage of the tumor. But most often these diseases are treated in a comprehensive way. When developing a tumor in the spine, doctors rarely resort to transplanting donor tissue.

Today, surgical intervention thanks to modern instruments, which until recently were considered hopeless, is the most effective way.

Thanks to the most powerful electron microscopes, doctors can see a clear boundary between the tumor and a healthy tissue.

During the operation, the probability of nerve endings was reduced.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that medicine has moved far ahead, not all tumors can be removed. This is especially not possible in cases where the cancer affects the lower part of the spine, where there is a cluster of nerve endings.

Non-traditional treatment

Some patients who are disillusioned with traditional medicine or those who simply do not have the opportunity to treat cancer with medical products are turning to folk medicine. In this case, it is important to understand that self-medication can worsen the condition and bring complications closer. Therefore, recommend a grass harvest should only a professional in their field.

We all know from history that our ancestors treated all diseases with what nature gave them. They were berries, mushrooms, tree bark, herbaceous plants. And here are some proven recipes used by us on this day.

It is worthwhile to understand that folk medicine will not help in all cases. Treat spinal cancer should be started as soon as the first symptoms appear. At later stages, this method is helpless.

So, let's consider one of the recipes of folk medicine against cancer of the spine.

What do you need:

• cognac - 1 glass;
• pine buds -200 g;
• wormwood - 7 g;
• berries of dog rose - 50 g;
• juice from the leaves of aloe - 1 glass;
• root of plantain - 50-60 g;
• Yarrow - 200 g;
• water - 3 liters;
• natural honey - 270-300 g.

How to prepare an infusion:

All herbs are filled with water and brought to a boil. Next, cook over medium heat for an hour. We pour the broth into the jar, wrap it with a blanket and let it brew for an hour.

Filter through gauze, add honey, cognac and juice from the leaves of aloe. Stir and place in the refrigerator for storage. Take infusion should be before meals three times a day for 1 large spoon.

Such a medicinal decoction contains a large number of useful components, which are isolated herbaceous plants. At the expiration of a month after admission, the patient will have to notice the addition of strength and energy.

Survival of patients

How much longer do I have to live? This is probably the most frequent question from patients who have been diagnosed with spine cancer. In fact, no doctor can answer you with accuracy. Lifetime with a similar diagnosis will depend on many factors.

First and foremost, this is a stage of cancer, because in the first two stages the survival of patients increases, if the treatment of the disease has been started in a timely manner. Age and health status will also play a role in life expectancy.

The younger the patient, the greater the chance of survival.

Oncology - it always sounds scary! But remember that cancer is not always a verdict. Watch for your body's signals, listen to it and never delay a visit to the doctor.

A source: https://OnkoExpert.ru/spinnoj-mozg/simptomy-i-priznaki-raka-pozvonochnika-diagnostika-i-lechenie.html

Cancer of the spine

Cancer of the spine is the primary or secondary malignant tumors of the spine. Secondary tumors are metastases of malignant neoplasms developing in other organs (stomach, prostate, thoracic cavity, lungs, etc.).

The development of cancer of the spine is always accompanied by pain (initially moderate, and then much more palpable), which for weeks or months gradually increase.

The penetration of metastases into the spine occurs through the lymphatic pathways, the epidural venous plexus, or the hematogenous pathway.

The most common malignant neoplasm develops in the vertebral bodies, which is the cause of the development of pain in the affected parts of the spine.

At the site of localization, malignant tumors of the spine are divided into: tumors affecting the spinal cord, tumors affecting the spinal cord. Such tumors lead to painful sensations in the organs below it.

Often, these places lose sensitivity, a person feels muscle weakness.

To establish the diagnosis of spine cancer, the necessary comprehensive survey is required, one of the main components is X-ray, during which a special colored liquid is injected into the spinal canal, which in the picture indicates absence or presence tumors of the spine. To finalize the diagnosis, biopsies and computed tomography are shown. Much less common cancers of the spine are those tumors that develop directly in the bones of the spine (osteosarcoma).

Even despite the numerous studies conducted, spinal malignant tumors have not been fully studied to date.

Lymphoma - a cancer of the spinal cord, affecting lymphocytes, is most often observed in patients with weakened medication or immunity.

The rate of progression of cancer of the spine is different, but almost all spinal malignant tumors are characterized by rapid growth.

Primary tumors of the spine are difficult to diagnose, since they develop very rarely and are similar in their symptoms to other common diseases.

If there is a suspicion of a spinal tumor, to confirm the diagnosis and to identify the location of the cancer, several types of studies

Cancer of the spine - symptoms

The most common symptom of spine cancer is pain in the middle or lower back, which is amplified at the time of awakening and at night.

Painful sensations can be given to the hips, legs, feet or hands, periodically strengthening and weakening.

From the variety and location of the tumor, other symptoms also depend, which are especially pronounced when growth and subsequent pressure of a cancerous tumor on the bones of the spine, blood vessels or spine roots the brain.

The clinical picture of cancer of the spine covers the symptoms of damage to the bones of the spine and / or pelvis with obvious signs of impairment of the adequate activity of nerve plexuses and roots. The change in the configuration of the spinal column is also referred to as a symptom of bone tissue damage.

Pain can have a spontaneous character, appear gradually, or under the influence of any physical strain. Pressing on the affected areas in some cases can cause pain, and pain can appear on the side of the affected vertebra.

In case the cancer is localized in the iliac sac, there can be a syndrome of sacroileitis.

When performing a palpation of a suspicious area, a bumpy painful seal is sometimes found on the bones, which sometimes can be seen even with the naked eye.

Nervous symptomatology is constantly observed, which is the most pronounced symptom of the disease and manifests itself in the form of pains in the region of the sciatic nerve. Other signs of cancer of the spine include muscle weakness (more often in the legs) and loss of sensitivity.

There are difficulties in moving, which is a frequent cause of the patient's falling, sensitivity to cold, heat and pain decreases. Depending on which region of the spinal cord the tumor presses, paralysis can occur. The functioning of the pelvic organs is generally not impaired

Cancer of the spine - treatment

Treatment of spinal cancer involves the complete removal of a malignant spinal tumor.

Unfortunately, surgical intervention is complicated by the risk of irreversible damage to the surrounding neoplasm of nerves.

Therefore, first of all, the doctor must take into account the general state of health, the age of the patient, the type of tumor, the secondary or primary tumor, in order to prescribe an adequate treatment.

It has also been shown that, with a small tumor size, surgery is much easier to perform technical characteristics that allow creating the best conditions for the complete removal of cancerous tumor.

One of the surgical methods of treatment is the removal of neoplasms by a single-step operation, which consists in partial resection or complete removal of the affected vertebrae with further replacement of the arisen lack.

In the course of surgical intervention, one of the main points is stabilization vertebra, which provides for the return to it of supporting functionality, immobility and sustainability. To achieve stabilization, bone autografts are used (the material is taken from its own iliac bones), metal plates (rarely), or allografts (bone material of another person).

Radiation therapy in the treatment of spinal cancer is used to treat inoperable tumors and after surgery to destroy the remnants of cancer cells.

Chemotherapy, which is the standard treatment for most cancers, is not practically used to treat spinal malignancies due to inefficiency.

There are cases when spinal neoplasms are detected even before the appearance of the first symptomatology during the examination of a completely different disease.

In the event that the detected tumors are benign, do not create pressure on surrounding tissues and do not grow, the only treatment option is to closely monitor them.

This is especially true of elderly people, for whom the surgery and radiation therapy is a big risk.

A source: http://vlanamed.com/rak-pozvonochnika/

Cancer of the spine - a sentence or an incentive to live?

Many people, hearing the diagnosis of oncology, come in shock, which gives way to depression.However, if the doctor diagnosed - cancer of the spine, the symptoms and manifestation of which require treatment, you should not drop your hands, but look for the strength to fight and certainly defeat the disease.

A tumor can arise in the area of ​​any vertebra primarily or be a metastasis, the primary focus of which is located in the lung, stomach, prostate gland.

If the symptoms of oncology occur in men of old age, it is worth looking for a malignant neoplasm of the prostate with metastases.

The disease progresses over many years, beginning with a minor pain that tends to intensify. Sometimes it takes 7 or more months or years, while a person understands what happened to him.

What can I say in general

Penetrate metastases into the spinal cord through the lymphatic ducts along the brain or through the blood. Cancer develops directly in the vertebra, which in the subsequent causes pain.

There are varieties of tumors that, by their growth, destroy the brain or its shell.

Germination can be in neighboring organs, which begin to signal with pain, for example, lung cancer, which can become a primary focus.

Over the years, the risk of developing cancer of the spinal cord, both in women and men, may develop.

Growth leads not only to destruction, but also negatively affects the nearby tissues.

Varieties

On the variety that shows the cancer of the spine, the location of the process. The extradural tumor is characterized by growth outside the brain membranes, in this case it is a solid one. The process of metastasis takes place outside the central nervous system.

Quite other characteristics have an intra-oral tumor that grows into the hard shell of the brain, manifests itself as neurofibroma or menengioma. Until a certain time the tumor grows, and then leads to flattening of the vertebra, a pathological fracture occurs.

The development of the intramedullary process occurs in the brain, the gradual growth causes the development of astrocytoma or glioma. The brain swells, which leads to cancer of the bones of the spine, its functions are lost.

There is also a type of cells that are a provoking factor to the development of the disease. So, in 80% of cases appears chondrosarcoma, which is concentrated in the thoracic spine.

In children, spinal cord cancer is manifested by the development of Ewing's sarcoma. Malignant primary tumor of adults is chordoma. This kind of process is most common. A rare option of oncology of the spinal cord is osteosarcoma, it is concentrated in the sacrum or waist.

Multiple myeloma is a tumor-like formation of a primary nature with a malignant course. With this tumor, not only the bones of the spine, but also others are affected.

Between a single plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma, which is located in the lumbar or sacral region of the spine, you can draw a parallel.

However, with plasmacytoma, vertebrae lesions occur, and the prognosis is better in comparison with myeloma.

Causes of appearance

Most often among the causes in the first place are the genetic predisposition of the body, the presence of lymphoma, leukemia.

Often oncology in the spine develops in a person who has AIDS. If the metastasis of another primary tumor is concentrated in the central nervous system, then it has differences.

The disease progresses slowly, with a lower level of differentiation.

There are other reasons to think about, first of all, they are associated with factors that lead to cell mutations and their enhanced, uncontrolled division.

The risk is higher if a person suffers from mononucleosis, hepatitis B and C, papilloma viruses and herpes.

Some groups of patients have established a relationship between the development of oncology and parasites in the body.

Often this is schistosomiasis, a tropical disease caused by parasites of trematodes. The risk of getting sick is increased with fungi, mainly representatives of the genus Aspergillus.

Fungi of this species secrete aflatoxin in large numbers, which leads to mutation of cells.

Some drugs cause a mutation, in particular, an alkylating group substance, procarbosines, estrogen preparations, testosterone, phenacitin.

The profession of some people can cause, especially if a person has a long contact with gasoline, gas, oil, coal, kerosene, asbestos, amines, vinyl chloride, nickel, chromium, arsenic, cadmium. Another factor can become bad habits in the form of alcohol, drugs, tobacco smoking. An important aspect is the irradiation of the body when working in the X-ray room, at nuclear power plants, while staying in the sun.

Degrees

In total, oncology has four degrees, this applies not only to the cancer of the spine, but also to the rest. They help to choose a treatment and determine the prognosis for the survival of patients.

At the first degree the tumor has small dimensions, does not go beyond the spine, differs in that it does not give metastases.

The diagnosis is established by chance, during a survey for another disease. The prognosis is most favorable, after the treatment there are no traces of the tumor.

More often a person comes to see a doctor with a second degree, because the tumor sprouts in a nearby tissue. There is no metastasis, a person begins to worry about pain, especially if the neighboring tissues are nerves.

At the third degree, the prognosis worsens, the tumor is significantly increased in size.

Germination in the tissue increases, at this stage there may be single metastases in a number of located lymph nodes.

A complete cure may come, but this will require considerable efforts by the physician and the patient himself. Operative intervention can be supplemented by methods of chemotherapy, radiation exposure.

At the fourth degree, the tumor is large, sprouting into the tissue. Multiple metastases, screenings to distant parts of the body, lymph nodes.

Intoxication is expressed, the body is exhausted, the treatment is palliative.

The prognosis for survival is small, the operation simply prolongs life, but does not cure a person.

Symptomatology of pathology

Manifestations may not be felt over the years, for example, a person for seven years did not visit a doctor, was not examined and did not suspect a problem that progressed slowly. Spine cancer occurs when its growth occurs, and with the destruction of tissue by cancer cells, sprouting them into the nerves.

The patient, visiting the doctor, makes complaints about difficulties in movement, general weakness worries. The person notes that the back hurts, and the taking of pain medications does not bring the expected effect. Deterioration occurs when a person assumes a horizontal position.

Supplements the clinical picture of muscle spasm, pain in the legs, a sense of coldness in them. The skin becomes cold and sticky, with the defeat of nerves, incontinence of urine and feces may occur.

When the cancer of the cervical spine develops, this symptomatology is observed in the hands, paralysis is possible.

Symptoms are not so easy to notice as on the chest, which can be felt, and the disease itself often resembles other pathologies.

Very often it occurs under the mask of osteochondrosis or myositis, from which a person receives treatment that does not have an effect.

The problem becomes urgent with trauma, as the pain becomes stronger, there is also the risk of fracture.

The most common symptom that makes you visit a doctor and says that there is cancer of the spine is pain. She worries about the middle of the back, where the seventh vertebra is located or lower. Pain is painful during physical exertion or at night.

Diagnosis of pathology

It is difficult to make a correct diagnosis if you rely only on symptoms that also remind other pathologies.

A comprehensive examination is required, which will exclude oncology.

To suggest a thought can prostate cancer or oncology of the sigmoid colon, more precisely, its metastases in the bones of the spine.

To establish an oncology of the spine, neurological testing is indicated. It includes checking for reflexes, tonus, muscle strength, sensory function, the ability of the spinal cord to transmit impulses.

Put a point in the diagnosis and determine the source of the primary tumor is assisted by a magnetic resonance tomogram, or MRI.

The method allows you to examine any part of the body, copes well with the search for oncology, can establish prostate cancer.

Especially effective is the technique, if you use cancer search markers.

Treatment is radical

Depending on the actions performed by the doctor, the prognosis of the disease is determined.

The process of struggle can be lengthy, success depends on the stage, the earlier it became known about the problem and the measures taken, the more chances for a positive outcome.

In the neglected version, it remains only to support the body, to remove the pain until a logical end comes.

Treatment should be comprehensive, most often radical, with the use of different methods of surgical intervention.

To minimize the possibility of complications, doctors use a special microscope, it makes it possible to differentiate cancer-modified cells from healthy ones.

Using the electrodes, the sensitivity of the nervous tissue during the operation is checked. This will help reduce the risk of nerve damage when removing the tumor.

The disadvantage of the operation is that it is not possible to remove all the metastases that spinal cord cancer gives. In this doctors, other methods of treatment, in particular, radiation or chemotherapy, help.

Remove metastases and prevent their growth is helped effectively by radiotherapy.

The use of corticosteroids makes it possible to reduce inflammation. This does not lead to the removal of the tumor, but it makes it possible to reduce the burden on the spine. In cancer, the drug Dexamethasone is most often used.

Preventive measures

It is impossible to fully insure against oncology, however, there are measures, adhering to which, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

First you need to give up bad habits and start playing sports. Food should be rational, contain vitamins in large quantities.

If the profession is associated with harmful substances and contact with them, then it is better to replace it.

It should be noted that any medical measures used in cancer of the spine should be started immediately from the time of diagnosis.

The reason for this is very simple, because the survival prognosis is higher if the treatment is started immediately.

If a person has symptoms that indicate the development of oncology of the spine, you should immediately visit an oncologist, not postponing for later.

A source: http://drpozvonkov.ru/rak/rak-pozvonochnika-prigovor-ili-stimul-k-zhizni.html

Spine cancer: types, symptoms, treatment, prognosis

Oncological diseases at this time are among the leaders among the ailments that affect the early disability and mortality of the world's population.

Cancer ismalignant tissue formation, most often epithelial, but in the case of the spine it can be damage to the bone and nervous tissues.

Primary malignant degeneration of the spinal tissues is rare, most often tumors in this part of the body are metastases from organs affected by cancer, located near the thyroid gland, brain, kidneys, lungs or intestines.

Spine Cancer: Species

According to experts, the spine is one of the most complex structures, this is due to the fact that it consists of several heterogeneous tissues, in each of which the disease can start to develop, the classification of this disease.

Thus, oncological diseases of the spine include tumors of the spinal cord, bone tissue, cartilage and nerve endings, and often the blood vessels of the spine are affected, from which a separate disease.

Among cancers of the spine may be:

• endiomas and asdyucitomas (bone lesions);
• angiomas (vascular lesions);
• neuroma (lesions of rootlets and nerve endings);
• sarcoma (degeneration of the cartilaginous connective tissue);
• lipomas (lesions of adipose tissue).

All these tumors combine symptomatology and transience, as well as the presence of persistent intense pain. Often, tumors of the spine are classified according to the department in which they were detected or by the characteristics of the lesion of cerebrospinal fluid and bone tissue in aggregate.

Extradural formation

This type of lesion appears and grows directlyfrom the outer part of the spinal cordfrom its bone base, then the tumor captures the roots, fatty tissues and all the nearby organs. Such a tumor causes deformation, and destruction of the spinal canal, due to the fact that it destroys all external parts of the spine (arches, processes and the body of the vertebra).

Intradural tumors

This type of tumors can be extramedullary, that is,under the dura materwith sprouting into the adjacent nerve endings and bone tissue, in this case the major degenerations occur outside the spinal cord and destroy the surrounding tissues. When the disease develops, compressive compression of the spinal cord is formed.

Intramedullary tumors

Intramedullary tumors are localizeddirectly in the spinal cord, while in the early stages of the disease they are often benign in nature and are best suited for surgical treatment, they develop slowly enough, but in neglected form acquire multiple foci of lesion, cause swelling of the vertebrae and loss of motor activity in extremities.

Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is a tumor thataffects the cartilage of the spine, while it can capture arches and the body of the vertebra, with further destruction of the ribs and adjacent vertebrae.

This tumor affects the lumbar and sacral parts and can have 3 degrees of maturity, on which the type of therapy depends and the duration (opportunity) of treatment.

The main feature of this tumor is its asymptomatic and aggressive, also it is resistant to radiation therapy and has the property of recurring. Most often this tumor is detected in men older than 40 years.

Ewing's sarcoma

This malignant tumoraffects the vascular part of connective tissue, most often it is manifested in children and adolescents in the lower back and sacrum. It destroys the affected vertebra and often covers adjacent bones.

At the outward appearance, it looks like a defeat with small cells, which swell the vertebra from the inside.

A specific feature of the tumor isthe complexity of its diagnosis, to clarify the diagnosis always make a tissue biopsy, and the treatment is assigned a complex and multi-stage.

Chordoma

Chordoma is a tumor thataffects the lumbar and cervical spine, most often in men (from 45 years).

It grows out of bone tissue and damages muscle and nerve tissue, at the initial stage it is often confused withradiculitis, which entails wrong treatment and, as a result, damage to the nerve roots and severe pain (especially in the lumbar region, with recoil into the pelvis and genitals). The peculiarity of the disease is sluggish flow, aggressiveness and resistance to therapy, the possibility of determining only on CT, the tendency to relapse and proliferation of metastases.

Recently, sciatica began to amaze people of young age, and ceased to be considered a disease of the elderly. The disease can manifest completely unexpectedly both in those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, and actively engaged in sports. More information about the symptoms, the causes of the appearance and treatment of sciatica read on our website.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a tumor thatdevelops in the bone tissue of the spinal column. Most often, men or young men under 30 suffer from it.

Moreover, it is quite aggressive, quickly envelops and affects several vertebrae and can seize adjacent bones, its feature isearly metastases to neighboring organs, while it is treatable by combined methods, it is important only during its identification. The tumor can be mono-osseous (in one vertebra) or polyoossal (in several at once).

Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a complex oncological disease in which plasma (myeloma) cells begin to multiply uncontrollablyin different places of the bone marrow of the spine, resulting in the destruction of the bones of the spine. The disease affects people of both sexes aged 45 and older. It can be focal, diffuse or diffuse focal with lesions of several vertebrae and adjacent bones of the skeleton. By the degree of flow, it is sluggish, active and aggressive.

Plasmocytoma single

This type of disease, in which there is a multipleproliferation of immunocompetent cells most often in the thoracic spine. It affects men from 40 years and older.

A feature of the disease is the process of spontaneous vertebral fractures, when the fracture occurs from the slightest impact on the spine, the disease can be asymptomatic, andthe disease is detected only with x-raybecause of a spontaneous fracture. During the course of the disease, arches, spine processes and intervertebral discs are deformed. At the last stages of the disease the height of the vertebrae changes, the defect of the fish vertebrae is formed.

Causes of cancer of the spine

Researchers call a variety of causes of spinal tumors, among them:

• genetic predispositions to oncological diseases;
• harmful production;
• impact of carcinogenic substances in nature and life;
• presence of blood or lymphoma;
• AIDS or HIV infection;
• irradiation.

Even the presence of one of the above listed factors can cause cancer of the spine, and in combination with pollution ecology, malnutrition and impaired motor activity, increases the risk of developing the disease at times.

Symptoms of tumor overgrowth

Most often, signs and symptoms of the disease appear at the time when the tumor began its active proliferation and many patients state that they missed the very first alarming bells of the nascent disease.

Symptoms of cancer include:

1. weaknessandfrequent fatigue, which is not related to loads or nutrition;
2. back pain that is localized at the site of the tumor, and can have recoil in the limb or pelvis. Oncological pains have properties to manifest and increase when the body is in a horizontal position, while traditional medicines are not effective on them;
3. a violation of the sensitivity of the limbs from a feeling of constant burning or tingling to a complete loss of sensitivity and numbness of the limbs, with the temperature of the skin changing in the limbs. Such sensations can be either permanent or periodic;
4. the emergence of problems with the movement and work of the vestibular apparatus, when a person's gait changes, difficulties arise in walking, full or partial paralysis of the limbs may develop;
5. there may be problems with the work of the intestine or urogenital system, it can be both constipation and incontinence, which are not amenable to drug correction;
6. changes in body temperature, unmotivated, spasmodic, the body temperature is often kept within 37 C;
7. there is a general intoxication and anemia.

If there is at least one of the symptoms, then you need to contact the family doctor for the examination and identify the causes of impaired well-being.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic measures for suspected cancer include:

• the examination with a therapist and oncologist, with a detailed history;
• tests to determine the state of the nervous system;
• checking the tone, reflexes and functions of the limbs and spine;
• MRI full or partial diagnosis in the localization of pain;
• X-ray picture;
• computer tomogram;
• contrast image;
• an electroencephalogram of the brain;
• clinical blood and urine tests;
• mandatory delivery of blood for oncological changes;
• biopsy.

One of the most modern diagnostic methods is MRI. With the help of a magnetic field, this method helps to identify diseases and disorders of the vertebral system with the help of a magnetic field. We recommend you read the article, which tells all about MRI of the lumbosacral spine.

The diagnosis can be made only by a doctor, and more often by several doctors-specialists who will subsequently offer a course of treatment depending on the degree, type and complexity of the disease.

Treatment of spine cancer

The course of treatment and procedures for the use of procedures and drugs are determinedstrictly individually by the attending physician, it is important for the patient not to waste time and not to try to be treated independently or by folk methods, as often the initial stages of the disease are perfectly treated in domestic or foreign clinics. When prescribing treatment, the doctor relies not only on the type of tumor and its stage, but also takes into account the size of the tumor, the presence of concomitant diseases, the age and weight of the patient, his general condition.

Cancer of the spine is most often carried out in complex with the use of such types of treatment:

1. surgical removal of a tumor, which often entails changes in the functioning of the spinal column and nerve endings, it does not can always completely remove the neoplasm, therefore it is supported by additional types of treatment;
2. chemotherapy, which with the help of highly toxic and effective drugs destroys malignant cells;
3. radiation therapy, which helps to remove cancer cells in hard-to-reach places before or after surgery, specifically for patients with cancer of the spine, it makes it possible to greatly alleviate suffering and speed up the process recovery.

Additionally, thetransplantation of donor tissuesand symptomatic treatment, which anesthetizes, relieves puffiness, improves blood counts and overall well-being of the patient.

It is very important to begin treatment immediately after the disease is detected, which determines the effectiveness of each of the treatment methods and the speed of recovery.

At the moment, scientists are developing drugs and techniques that will help to defeat cancer at any stage.

If you correctly diagnose and make a correct diagnosis, even such a complex disease as cancer of the spine can be completely defeated.

It is very important to contact specialistsand undergo a detailed examination, even if you have only one symptom, and for those who already have faced with diseases of the spine, prevention and regular check-ups should be the norm.

Timely detection and treatment will be the key to successful combating oncological changes, this will not save only your health, and also life, will help prevent the loss of the ability to move and yourself service. The most important thing is not to miss the precious time.
A source: http://vashaspina.com/pozvonochnik/opuholi/rak_vidyi_simptomyi_lechenie_prognoz.html