Cancer of the spine - how to diagnose and treat
Cancer of the spine is an oncology, accompanied by the appearance and development of a tumor of the spinal cord. Usually, a malignant tumor in the spine, which requires cancer diagnosis, treatment or surgery in Israel, appears due to the spread of metastases, even in a mild form. Less commonly, the cause is leukemia, a genetic predisposition, or AIDS.
Mostly, cancer of the spine spreads through the cerebrospinal fluid and also through the blood. The presence of a tumor has a direct effect on the condition of the bones of the sacral, lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine, vertebrae, meninges, nerves and blood vessels.
Types of spinal cancer
Any oncology of the spine requiring treatment ( it is desirable to do this in specialized Israeli clinics) you can divide those that directly affect the spinal cord, as well as those affecting the spinal cord.
Basically, tumors are classified based on the type of cells.
Chondrosarcoma - lumbar cancer in the spine. May affect the cartilage of the sacrum. Given the extremely rapid development and absence of symptoms, this type of cancer of the bones of the spine and spinal cord requires urgent treatment.
Chordoma is a cancer in the cervical spine, in which a tumor of the cervical vertebrae develops from bone tissue, affecting muscles and nerves;
Ewing's sarcoma is a cancer (tumor) in the lumbar and sacral spine.
Osteosarcoma is a rare type. Here, the onset of tumors is observed more often in young men. A very aggressive and rapidly spreading type of cancer.
Multiple myeloma is a tumor of the thoracic spine. It affects the bone marrow and blood plasma, leads to the destruction of the vertebra, can spread metastases in the lungs.
Plasmacytoma is solitary - it does not seem to be the previous type, but is characterized by spontaneous fractures on the vertebra even with the slightest impact.
Symptoms of spinal cancer
The degree of manifestation of spinal cancer, especially if these are early stages, are very similar to osteochondrosis and rheumatism. Symptoms appear brighter only during the development of the disease.
In general, the following symptoms are distinguished:
increasing pain (both in a specific place and "radiating" on the limb, especially in the supine position );
decreased sensitivity, numbness, cold fingers;
motor disorders - weakening of the legs, difficulty walking, sudden lameness, muscle spasms, sometimes paralysis;
or uncontrolled urination and defecation;
general intoxication - constant weakness, fatigue, sudden weight loss.
Treatment methods and where to get effective therapy
Specific treatment in Israel clinics doctors prescribe, based on the specific type of cancer, the location of the tumor, as well as the stage of development.
The main methods are:
surgery is the most effective, but also the most radical method, since it carries a high risk of spinal injury (usually prescribed when stage 4 spinal cancer has occurred);
therapy - usually carried out before surgery to prevent tumor growth (especially in grade 4 spinal cancer) and reduce its size, and also after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells;
chemotherapy - usually combined with radiation to improve efficiency;
symptomatic treatment with special drugs.
In Ukraine and Russia, it is recommended to consult with specialists of BK Medical Logistic, to pass tests, which will then be redirected to the best Israeli clinics. The company will then arrange for the patient to be delivered to the selected clinic.
