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neurosurgery
Brain and spinal chord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue
found inside the skull or the bony spinal column, which are
the primary components of the central nervous system (CNS).
Benign tumors are non-cancerous, and malignant tumors are
cancerous.
The CNS is housed within rigid, bony quarters, i.e. the skull
and spinal column, so any abnormal growth, whether benign
or malignant, can place pressure on sensitive tissues and
impair function.
Tumors that originate in the brain or spinal cord are called
primary tumors. Most primary tumors are caused by out-of-control
growth among cells that surround and support neurons. In a
small number of individuals primary tumors may result from
specific genetic disease, e.g. neurofibromatosis, tuberous
sclerosis, or from radiation or cancer-causing chemicals.
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symptoms |
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The most common changes that may be signs of a brain tumor are
seizures, weakness in arms or legs, headaches, and possibly
changes in vision or personality. Spinal cord tumor symptoms
include pain, sensory changes, and motor problems
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neurological
examination |
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If your general practioner suspects a brain or spinal tumour
he or she will normally refer you to a neurologist will most
likely order a CT scan or possibly a MRI.
CT scans are computed topographic scans, which involve radiation,
projected through the brain and recorded creating an image.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and this technique
involves recording the response of the molecules in the brain
to alternations in the magnetic fields. There is no radiation
involved in MRI, which tends to generate a more detailed image,
although they are more expensive and take longer to obtain.
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biopsy |
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If a tumor is detected, the initial starting treatment is obtaining
the correct diagnosis of the tumor. If the patient is known
to have metastatic cancer, it is not always necessary to re-biopsy
before initiating other treatment. However, as an initial step,
a portion of tissue will need to be obtained.
Tissue from a brain tumor can be obtained either through
a formal operation or through a smaller biopsy operation.
Either way the risk is related to the location. For example,
tumors located close to the brain surface and in areas away
from important function carry a relatively low risk with either
biopsy or resection. Tumors located deep in the brain almost
always carry a moderate to high risk of complication.
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treatment |
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The treatment approach is dependent on determining the correct
pathology or tumor type. For certain benign tumours, surgery
is likely the best choice. For more aggressive tumors, a combination
of radiation and chemotherapy is often utilized. Doctors also
may prescribe steroids to reduce the swelling inside the CNS.
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what is
the prognosis? |
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Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumors generally develop slowly
and worsen over time unless they are treated. The tumor may
be classified as benign or malignant and given a numbered score
that reflects how malignant it is. The score can help doctors
determine how to treat the tumor and predict the likely outcome,
or prognosis, for the patient.
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neurosergery
procedures offered |
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spinal disc surgery including arthroplasty:
- Prodisc (lumbar spine)
- Bryan disc (cervical spine)
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®Mediscapes
Surgery Abroad© |
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neurosurgery 