Spinal Tumors in Dubai: Understanding the condition
An abnormal growth (mass) of cells inside or surrounding your spinal cord, spinal column, or both is called a spinal tumor. The long, flexible column of bones that makes up your spine, or backbone, is what shields your spinal cord. It terminates in your tailbone, a component of your pelvis, and starts at the base of your head.
The spinal cord is a cylindrical structure running through the middle of your spine that starts from your brainstem, located at the base of the brain, to the lower back. It comprises nerve bundles and cells that transmit signals from the brain to the body and vice versa.
Spinal tumors in Dubai are a growing concern among individuals seeking relief from spine-related issues. We understand the emotional & physical toll that spine pain can take on your life. Dr. Martin Liner and his team are dedicated to providing compassionate care, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment.
What are the Types of Spinal Tumors?
Spinal tumors come in various forms, each requiring a unique approach to treatment. Common types include:
Intramedullary Tumors: These tumors develop within the spinal cord itself.
Intradural-Extramedullary Tumors: Located outside the spinal cord but within the protective covering (dura).
Extradural Tumors: Growing outside the dura, often originating from nearby structures or metastasizing from other body parts.
Other differentiation of the spinal tumors divides them into:
- Primary tumors: originating from the spine
- Metastasis: originating somewhere else in the body and spreading into the spine and developing satellites there.
According to aggresivity, we can divide tumors into:
- Benign: usually slowly growing without invading neighbouring structures or producing metastases, but when compressing the nerves or spinal cord can cause severe symptoms and disability.
- Malignant: aggressive fast growing and invading surrounding structures and often producing metastases.
Who is prone to spinal tumors?
Spinal tumors can affect individuals of all ages, although they are more commonly found in adults. Genetics, radiation exposure, and underlying medical conditions may increase the risk.
What are the Symptoms of Spinal Tumors?
Spinal tumors can manifest in various ways, and their symptoms often depend on their size and location. Common symptoms include:
- Back pain: Persistent, localized pain in the back or neck.
- Neurological symptoms: Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the extremities.
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction: Difficulty with urination or bowel movements.
- Balance and coordination issues: Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
What Causes Spinal Tumors?
The exact causes of spinal tumors are not always clear. While some may be linked to genetic factors or radiation exposure, others may develop spontaneously. Metastatic tumors, on the other hand, result from the spread of cancer from other parts of the body to the spine.
What Tests Will Be Done to Diagnose a Spinal Tumor?
Diagnosing a spinal tumor begins with a thorough medical evaluation and diagnostic testing. Dr. Liner may recommend:
X-ray, CT, MRI and PET scans: Imaging tests to visualize the tumor’s location and characteristics.
Bone scan: To examine your bones using imaging, your doctor will first inject a tiny quantity of radioactive material into a vein.
Blood testing: To check for abnormal amounts of chemicals in your blood, such as calcium and alkaline phosphatase, your healthcare professional may prescribe specific blood tests.
Biopsy: A tumor tissue sample may be collected for further analysis to determine its type and malignancy.
Spinal Tumor Treatment in Dubai
Dr. Martin Liner offers a range of advanced spine tumor surgery in Dubai. According to individual case the surgical treatment can vary from minimally invasive, destroying of the tumour with radiofrequency ablation, through tumour removal, down to complex reconstruction of the spine.
Sometimes additional treatment options might be necessary, including:
- Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation to shrink tumors or stop their growth.
- Chemotherapy: Medications to kill the tumor cells or at least stop or slow down their growth.
- Selective embolisation: occluding of the feeding arteries of the tumor by thin catheter in order to stop his blood supply and so his growth and also reducing the bleeding during following surgery.
At our state-of-the-art facility, Dr. Liner and his team will develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition, optimizing your spinal health and overall well-being.
Dr. Martin Liner: Your Trusted spine surgeon in Dubai
Your journey to a pain-free spine begins here. Contact Dr. Martin Liner, a trusted spine surgeon in Dubai, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier life. Don’t let spinal tumors hold you back – regain your mobility and vitality with our expert care.
For tumors, Dr. Martin provides compassionate care and cutting-edge solutions. He can help you overcome spine pain and improve your quality of life.