Spinal Tumor Overview
Tumors are abnormal tissue growths. _Spinal tumors_ grow on the spine bones or the spinal cord. _Skull tumors_ grow on the skull bones. Patients who experience tumor symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) tumor specialist as soon as possible.
Symptoms & Causes
Spinal tumor symptoms include:
- Back pain
- Extremity pain and weakness
- Decreased pain, hot and cold sensations
- Difficulty walking
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel function
- Radiating pain
Skull tumor symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Breathing difficulties
- Decreased smell sensation
- Double vision
- Headaches
- Hearing loss
- Memory loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Spinal tumor and skull base tumor causes are not known.
Common Treatments:
After a thorough evaluation, a CONA shoulder specialist may recommend monitoring the tumor or:
- Chemotherapy
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Diagnosis:
A CONA tumor specialist uses a step-by-step diagnostic approach:
- A complete medical history is obtained
- A thorough neurosurgical evaluation is performed
- A thorough physical examination is performed
- An MRI and CT scan are ordered and analyzed
A biopsy is usually performed. A tiny needle is used to take a small tissue sample. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Lab results are sent to the CONA tumor specialist for review.
Expert Neurosurgical Care in Spartanburg, Duncan & Greenville, SC
The board-certified neurosurgeons at Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about your treatment options.