SERVICES
Spinal Tumour Resection
BRAIN
SPINAL CORD
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
What are spinal tumours?
Spinal tumours are large growths that form along the spinal canal and intertwine within the vertebrae. Tumours of this nature are capable of growing on the spinal cord or covering (dura). Intradural tumours, known as spinal cord tumours, are categorised according to two types:
- Intramedullary tumours start within the spinal cord cells, primarily in gliomas, ependymomas and astrocytomas.
- Extramedullary tumours form in the spinal cord membrane or the nerve roots that extend from the cord itself.
These tumours may grow on the periphery of the spinal cord and not within it but can lead to complications such as spinal cord pressure and affect the functions of the spinal cord. Meningiomas begin to form inside the spinal cord and brain's protective lining, the meninges that cause paralysis, loss of motor function and pain.
Neurofibromas, other extramedullary tumours affect the peripheral nerves. Neurofibromas enter the nerve and interfere with the sheaths of separate fibres. When neurofibromas occur in clusters, this is suggestive of a genetic illness called neurofibromatosis or von Recklinghausen disease. Schwannomas are yet additional extramedullary tumours that originate from the floor of the spinal nerve cells and engulf the myelin sheath tissue. Schwannomas can grow and compress the spinal nerves causing tingling or numbness of the lower extremity.
What are the signs of spinal tumours?
- Lower back pain (20 per cent of tumours are traced in the lumbar spine)
- Neck pain (10 per cent of spinal tumours are present in the cervical spine)
- Pins and needles in the legs/arms (radiculopathy)
- Myelopathy due to spinal cord compression causing neurological deficits
How do we perform spinal tumours resection surgery?
Surgery to remove spinal tumours is relatively straightforward but can be intimating to the patient. All patients undergoing this procedure are in safe hands and will be pleased with the outcome, resulting in pain relief and improved mobility.
Through an incision that extends over the tumour (s), Dr Madumo removes soft tissue to see the bottom of the spine and gently dissects laminae (bones of the spine) to reach the spinal canal. First, the doctor needs to expose the dura, which is the space that holds the spinal cord and nerves containing fluid. He then carefully removes the tumour before sealing the site.
What are spinal tumours?
Spinal tumours are large growths that form along the spinal canal and intertwine within the vertebrae. Tumours of this nature are capable of growing on the spinal cord or covering (dura). Intradural tumours, known as spinal cord tumours, are categorised according to two types:
- Intramedullary tumours start within the spinal cord cells, primarily in gliomas, ependymomas and astrocytomas.
- Extramedullary tumours form in the spinal cord membrane or the nerve roots that extend from the cord itself.
These tumours may grow on the periphery of the spinal cord and not within it but can lead to complications such as spinal cord pressure and affect the functions of the spinal cord. Meningiomas begin to form inside the spinal cord and brain's protective lining, the meninges that cause paralysis, loss of motor function and pain.
Neurofibromas, other extramedullary tumours affect the peripheral nerves. Neurofibromas enter the nerve and interfere with the sheaths of separate fibres. When neurofibromas occur in clusters, this is suggestive of a genetic illness called neurofibromatosis or von Recklinghausen disease. Schwannomas are yet additional extramedullary tumours that originate from the floor of the spinal nerve cells and engulf the myelin sheath tissue. Schwannomas can grow and compress the spinal nerves causing tingling or numbness of the lower extremity.
What are the signs of spinal tumours?
- Lower back pain (20 per cent of tumours are traced in the lumbar spine)
- Neck pain (10 per cent of spinal tumours are present in the cervical spine)
- Pins and needles in the legs/arms (radiculopathy)
- Myelopathy due to spinal cord compression causing neurological deficits
How do we perform spinal tumours resection surgery?
Surgery to remove spinal tumours is relatively straightforward but can be intimating to the patient. All patients undergoing this procedure are in safe hands and will be pleased with the outcome, resulting in pain relief and improved mobility.
Through an incision that extends over the tumour (s), Dr Madumo removes soft tissue to see the bottom of the spine and gently dissects laminae (bones of the spine) to reach the spinal canal. The doctor needs to expose the dura, which is the space that holds the spinal cord and nerves containing fluid. He then carefully removes the tumour before sealing the site.