Intramedullary Tumors

What is it?

An Intramedullary Tumor is a type of tumor that develops within the spinal cord itself. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can arise from various cell types within the spinal cord.

Symptoms:

• Symptoms of Intramedullary Tumors can vary depending on the location, size, and type of tumor.
• Common symptoms may include back or neck pain, weakness or paralysis in the limbs, sensory changes such as numbness or tingling, difficulty walking, and bowel or bladder dysfunction.

Primary Symptoms:

The primary symptoms of Intramedullary Tumors may include:

• Gradual onset of weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs.
• Sensory changes, such as numbness or tingling, particularly in the limbs or trunk.
• Pain in the back or neck, which may worsen with movement or at night.
• Difficulty with balance and coordination, leading to frequent falls or difficulty walking.
• Changes in bowel or bladder function, such as difficulty urinating or controlling bowel movements.

Diagnosis/Treatment:

• Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and sometimes a biopsy to determine the type of tumor.
• Treatment options may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches depending on the type and stage of the tumor.

What to Expect After Surgery:

• After surgery for an Intramedullary Tumor, patients can expect relief from symptoms such as pain, weakness, and sensory changes.
• Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient, but most patients can expect to gradually improve over several weeks to months.
• Rehabilitation may be necessary to regain strength, mobility, and function in the affected limbs.

Risks & Complications:

• As with any surgery, there are risks associated with procedures to treat Intramedullary Tumors, including infection, bleeding, nerve injury, spinal fluid leakage, and recurrence of the tumor.
• Additionally, depending on the location and type of tumor, there may be a risk of permanent neurological deficits or complications related to the surgery itself.
• However, complications are relatively rare, and the benefits of surgery often outweigh the risks, particularly when the tumor is causing significant symptoms or affecting neurological function.