What is spinal cord cancer?
A spinal tumor is the growth of abnormal cells in or around the spinal cord, with leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma being the most common nervous system tumors. It is very important to diagnose spinal tumors of the nervous system in time to prevent them from spreading through the spine and causing secondary spinal tumors or eventually affecting other parts of the body. A reflex and muscle sensitivity test, as well as a neurological examination, may be performed for diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of spinal cancer?
Because it affects such an important location in the human body, its symptoms cause neurological defects, such as loss of sensation and strength, lack of sphincter control and back pain.
What are the causes of spinal cancer?
The main risk factor is radiation exposure, which usually comes from radiation therapy performed to treat another condition. Other causes may be a family history of a genetic mutation or immune system disorders.
There are also other factors that could be risk factors for bone marrow cancer, although not proven, such as cell phone use, exposure to vinyl chloride (a chemical used to make plastic), petroleum products, aspartame (a sugar substitute), or infections with viruses of any kind.
Can bone marrow cancer be prevented?
There is no clear way to prevent bone marrow cancer, although it is recommended to be exposed to radiation as little as possible, as it is a clear risk factor.
What is the treatment for bone marrow cancer?
As soon as its first symptoms are discovered, it is necessary to start as soon as possible an adequate and personalized treatment to prevent it from deriving into a permanent lesion. Treatments that have proven to be beneficial in slowing or curing this disease are:
- Corticosteroids: administered to reduce inflammation around the spinal cord.
- Surgery: it is performed in emergency cases in which it is necessary to relieve the compression on the spinal cord. It consists of removing part or all of the tumor. It may be complemented or substituted by radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: may be recommended in some specific cases.
- Physical therapy: may be required to improve muscle strength and regain the ability to function independently.