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Spinal Tumors - Diagnosis and Prognosis
A spinal tumor is a cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign) growth that develops within or near your spinal cord or within the bones of your spine. Although back pain is the most common indication of a spinal tumor, most back pain is associated with stress, strain and aging — not with a tumor.
In most areas of the body, noncancerous tumors aren't particularly concerning. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily the case with spinal tumors. The tumor or growth can impinge on nerves, thus leading to pain, neurological problems or even paralysis.
How is a Spinal Tumor Diagnosed?
Tumors of the spine itself may be either primary or metastatic. Primary tumors are often benign and generally occur in patients younger than 30 years of age. Metastatic tumors of the spine are much more common than primary tumors. They grow faster and may appear in multiple areas of the spine. Approximately 25-33% of all patients with metastases will have some spinal involvement.
The first step in diagnosis is the history. Dr. Haid may ask you questions like:
- Have you or a member of your family ever had cancer?
- How long have you had neck pain?
- Does it stay in the neck, or spread to your arm, leg, or shoulder?
- Do you have weakness, numbness, or other unusual sensation?
- Is the pain worse at any particular point in the day?
- Is the pain worse with activity?
There will also be a neurologic exam. As part of the exam Dr. Haid will test strength in your arms and legs, along with your reflexes and sensations. Range of motion in your neck will be examined.
If a spinal tumor is suspected, various diagnostic studies are useful in different situations. These include x-rays, CT Scans and MRI's. If there is no previous tissue diagnosis and you are medically stable, surgery for abiopsy and possible even definitive treatment may be the first treatment option.
If you plan to travel to Atlanta for treatment by Dr. Haid, we will require all of your previous imagery and diagnostic results.
Is Spine Surgery Right for You?
Our self-diagnostic tool will help you to establish if your condition might be surgically treated by Dr. Haid.
Dr. Haid treats cervical and lumbar disease. His practice focuses on cervical artificial discs, anterior and posterior cervical fusion, laminoplasty, lumbar fusion, and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Artificial Disc or Cervical Fusion?
Dr. Haid is recognized as one of the nations’ leading spine surgeons. He was co-developer of the first artifical cervical disc approved for use in the United States. He is the developer of TWO cervical fusion systems used around the world.
There is quite simply no physician better qualified to guide you through this important medical decision or to perform your surgery.
Having Surgery in Atlanta
The worlds’ busiest airport makes Atlanta an easy destination. As home to the 1996 Olympics, Atlanta offers world class medical facilities, accommodation, support and infrastucture.
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