Intramedullary Tumors
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What is it?
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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.
Spine Treatments
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About Dr. Bharat
Dr Bharat Shinde completed his M.Ch Neurosurgery from the National Institute Of Mental Health And Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore which is an institute of National importance.