All about spinal cord tumors  causes of spinal cord tumors symptoms of spinal cord tumors diagnosis of spinal cord tumor treatment for spinal cord tumor |
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How is spinal cord tumor diagnosed?
A neurologic examination may indicate the location of the tumor. Spastic weakness may be present, with increased muscle tone and abnormal reflexes. Pain and temperature sensation may be lost simultaneously with - or independently of - other sensation losses. There is often localized spine tenderness on examination of the back, which is more pronounced with epidural tumors. Several procedures can help doctors diagnose a spinal cord tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the best procedure for examining all the structures of the spinal cord and spine. When MRI is unavailable, myelography with computed tomography (CT) may be performed instead. X-rays of the spine can show only changes in the bones, and many tumors do not affect the bone when they are in an early stage. A biopsy is usually needed to diagnose the precise type of tumor, especially primary spinal cord tumors. However, a biopsy is not needed for spinal cord tumors that result from metastases if cancer has been diagnosed elsewhere in the body. Often, a biopsy requires surgery, but sometimes it can be performed using a needle and computed tomography (CT) or MRI for guidance. |
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More information on spinal cord tumors
What are spinal cord tumors? - A spinal cord tumor is a noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) growth in or around the spinal cord.
What causes spinal cord tumors? - The cause of primary spinal tumors is unknown. Some primary spinal tumors are associated with genetic defects.
What're the symptoms of spinal cord tumors? - The symptoms of spinal cord tumors vary depending on the location, type of the tumor, and the general health of the person.
How is spinal cord tumor diagnosed? - A neurologic examination may indicate the location of spinal cord tumor. Several procedures can help doctors diagnose a spinal cord tumor.
What's the treatment for spinal cord tumor? - The goal of treatment for spinal cord tumor is to reduce or prevent nerve damage from compression of the spinal cord. |
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