Spinal Cord Tumor – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Monday, July 02, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Spinal cord tumors can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary spinal cord tumors may be cancerous or noncancerous. Most primary spinal cord tumors originate in cells next to the spinal cord, such as those of the meninges, while about one-third of primary spinal cord tumors originate in the cells within the spinal cord. These tumors can extend within the cord and cause a fluid-filled cavity called syrinx to form. The most common primary spinal tumors are meningiomas and neurofibromas, which are noncancerous.

On the other hand, secondary spinal cord tumors are more common and are metastases of cancer that originated in another part of the body. This means that secondary spinal cord tumors are cancers. Metastases most commonly spread to the vertebrae from cancers that originate in the lungs, breasts, prostate gland, kidneys, or thyroid gland. Metastases usually put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots from the outside. Lymphomas may also reach the spine and compress the spinal cord.

Known symptoms of spinal cord tumor

The signs of spinal cord tumors include back pain, cold sensation in the legs, feet, or hands, loss of bowel control, loss of sensation, especially in the legs, muscle weakness and difficulty walking, and muscle contractions or spasms. Moreover, spinal cord tumors can cause numbness, weakness, or lack of coordination in the arms and/or legs (usually on both sides of the body), as well as bladder or bowel problems.

Body systems harmed by spinal cord tumor

Spinal cord tumors harm the nervous system.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent spinal cord tumor

There is no information on what specific foods or nutrients prevent spinal cord tumors. However, there are nutrients that can support spinal health. These include calcium, magnesium, vitamin D3, vitamin K2, vitamin C, proteins, vitamin B12, and iron.

Treatments, management plans for spinal cord tumor

Treatments for spinal cord tumors involve removing the tumor through surgery, managing the severe pain that often occurs with these tumors by removing pressure on the nerve roots, preserving neurological function by removing the pressure on the spinal cord, and fixing structural instability in the spine by reconstructing the unstable spine with a spinal fusion.

Where to learn more

Summary

Spinal cord tumors may be primary or secondary.

Primary spinal cord tumors can originate in cells within the spinal cord or next to the spinal cord.

Secondary spinal cord tumors are metastases of cancer that originated in another part of the body.

Spinal cord tumors causes back pain, cold sensation in the legs, feet, or hands, loss of bowel control, loss of sensation, especially in the legs, muscle weakness and difficulty walking, muscle contractions or spasms, numbness, weakness, or lack of coordination in the arms and/or legs (usually on both sides of the body), and bladder or bowel problems.

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