Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Cord Tumor

With the neurological examination the exact position of the tumor can be located. It has been observed that spastic weakness may persist, the muscle tone may also get increased and the reflexes could be abnormal too. Pain as well as temperature sensation can be lost along with losses in other sensation. One can also spot localized tenderness in the spine while doing the examination; this tenderness is more pronounced in the epidural tumors.

With several processes the doctor can diagnose the tumor. MRI is considered the best when it comes to examine the condition. In some cases myleography could be checked with CT scan. X-rays are not as helpful as they can only show the alteration in the bones and this may not show cancer in the early stages. A biopsy is always recommended to know the exact kind of tumor. The biopsy can be done like surgery but it can also be preformed with needle and CT scan or MRI for supervision.

Treatment of spinal cord tumor
The main aim of the treatment is to reduce the nerve damage which happens due to the compression on the spinal cord. The treatment has to start immediately without any delay and any latest development in condition, like pain swelling etc has to be taken seriously. Corticocosteroids are helpful in controlling inflammation and swelling to certain extent, they may control other condition to certain extent.

Mostly surgery is done to relive the compression. While some tumors can be totally eradicated in other cases the tumor is partially removed. The patient is kept under regular observation. Usually the intramedullary, metastatic tumor and the intradural-extramedullary ones are found to be very aggressive. They are mostly treated with surgical resection. The metastatic tumor will depend on the cancer stage and the person’s condition. Additionally radiation therapy is suggested. Along with this physical therapy is done to improve the muscle strength and body of the patient.