Spinal tumors are rare medical problems that may occur within or around the spinal cord, nerve roots, vertebrae, or tissues surrounding them. Since the location of spinal tumors is crucial because it can impact key neurological parts of the human body, prompt evaluation and treatment from specialists is vital.
Symptoms vary according to the position, size, and growth of the tumor, and they can include chronic back pain, pain radiating into the arm or leg, weakness, numbness, impaired walking, and disturbance in stool movement or urination. The most common test for the diagnosis of suspected brain tumors or spinal tumors is MRI.
Here are the names of some popular spinal tumor doctors in India as well.
- Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirloya–Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack.
- Dr. Rajgopalan Krishnan—New Delhi.
- Dr. Sandeep Vaishya–Gurugram.
What Are Spinal Tumors?
Spinal tumors are growths found within or next to the spinal column or spinal cord. These include either primary tumors arising from the spine (or from the nervous system) or tumors that have metastasized from distant body parts.
Their impact depends to a large extent on their location. Contact with the spinal cord or the nerves due to the tumor’s pressure will lead to neurological symptoms.
The common symptoms are as follows:
- Continuous or increasing back pain
- Arm or leg pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Balance issues
- Changes in the function of bladder or bowel
These symptoms can also arise in many conditions not related to tumor growth. Thus, these symptoms must not necessarily mean that a spinal tumor is present.
Top 3 Doctors for Spinal Tumors in India
1. Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
Dr. Rohit Chhirolya is a licensed neurologist at the Nilakantha Brain Clinic in Cuttack and has qualifications of MBBS, MD (Medicine), and DM (Neurology). He has over 20 years of experience in neurological treatment with his clinic.
The services offered at the clinic include neurological evaluations along with surgeries, including neurosurgery. It also features a highly sophisticated diagnostic facility that includes a 3T MRI and a digital EEG.
For patients dealing with spinal tumors, a neurologist helps identify neurological symptoms, look into the diagnostic images and the reports of the patient, check for spinal or nerve involvement, and make referrals to an appropriate surgeon or oncologist as needed.
Thus, Prof. Dr. Rohit Chhirolya is important in managing patients who need a neurologic workup for complex symptoms related to the spine
2. Dr. Rajagopalan Krishnan – New Delhi
Dr. Rajagopalan Krishnan is a spine surgeon working in Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, located in New Delhi. According to Apollo’s published profile, he has more than 27 years of experience and holds valuable qualifications such as MBBS, MS, MCh, PhD, and FRCS Orth.
His experience encompasses an extensive array of conditions and procedures related to spinal disorders, including spinal trauma, spinal stenosis, spinal cord injuries, spinal diseases, and spinal surgery.
When it comes to selecting a specialist for spinal cancer surgery treatment, it may be essential to find a physician who has considerable experience and training in spinal surgeries. The actual treatment plan will depend on the location, type, size, neurological implications, and general health of the tumor.
3. Dr. Sandeep Vaishya – Gurugram
Dr. Sandeep Vaishya is the Executive Director of Neurosurgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, based in Gurugram. He has more than 30 years of experience in this sphere of business. He received his MBBS, MS specialization in General Surgery, and MCh qualification in Neurosurgery, in addition to completing his Sundt Fellowship from Mayo Clinic, USA.
His areas of publication include spinal surgery, neuro and spine surgery, tumor surgery, and surgeries involving minimally invasive and image-guided neurosurgery.
Such a professional background makes him especially relevant for patients who would like to learn more about the neurosurgical care related to spinal surgeries and need to consider all details of the tumor and nearby nervous structures in preparing for the surgery.
How Are Spinal Tumors Diagnosed?
The assessment of spinal tumors typically starts with gathering a medical history and performing a neurological examination. On the basis of the symptoms exhibited by the patients, the physicians might advise imaging tests.
The MRI can reveal the structure of the spine with the help of the images and show the existence of spinal abnormalities. If a tumor is seen, additional examinations may be required to determine its type.
In some situations, the biopsy or the surgery is needed for conducting the tissue analysis to make a tumor diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Spinal Tumors
The treatment of spinal tumors is not uniform for everyone and is tailored according to several factors, including
Type of tumor
Position of tumor
Size of tumor
Growth patterns
Neurological symptoms
Possibility of surgical removal
Overall health
Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, observation in selected cases, or a combination of all these depending on the medical consideration of these factors.
In some cases, surgery can be considered for spinal tumors to maximize tumor removal while preserving the neurology structures. NCI states that treatment should be based on the type and location of the tumor.
When Should You Seek Medical Evaluation?
If you have any progressive or persistent neurological signs, don’t take them lightly. Consult a doctor if you have:
- Ongoing or worsening back pain
- New weakness in any arm or leg
- Tingling or numbness
- Trouble walking
- Increasing balance troubles
- Any new bladder or bowel problems
- Pain moving from the back and into the legs or arms
There are several causes for such symptoms, but the medical assessment is vital in order to find out whether any imaging or consultation with a specialist is necessary.
How to Choose a Spinal Tumor Specialist
When searching for doctors for spinal tumors, patients should pay attention to the following aspects:
- Proper qualification in the field of neurology or neurosurgery
- Experience in dealing with any spine-related or brain-related disease
- Availability of all necessary diagnostic and imaging facilities
- Experience with complicated spinal cases
- Possibility to avail of multiple specialty services
- Possibility of obtaining a second opinion
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) advises patients to look for doctors who have experience relevant to their case when it comes to spinal tumors and to seek a second opinion in proper cases.
FAQs About Spinal Tumors
What exactly are spinal tumors?
Spinal tumors refer to irregular formations situated in or in the vicinity of the spinal cord, vertebral column, and other tissues associated with it.
What are the usual symptoms of spinal tumors?
Symptoms can include continuing back pains, pains in the limbs, fatigue, numbness, and trouble while walking, as well as changes in bowel and bladder habits.
Can MRI scans find spinal tumors?
MRI scans commonly help make images of the spine and assist in identifying what could potentially be tumors.
Should all spinal tumors be treated by surgery?
The answer is ‘No,’ as treatment choices depend upon the type of tumor, its position, its size, the symptoms of the person, and many other factors.
Who are the specialists who can treat spinal tumors?
Based on the matter, the treatment might involve neurologists, neurosurgeons, spine surgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation specialists, radiologists, and even pathologists.
Conclusion
Spinal tumors are complicated to diagnose due to their positioning and potential impact on spinal cord tissues, nerves, and power of movement. Symptoms, such as the occurrence of backaches or persistent pain in legs, inability to feel both legs, and problems with walking or urinating, require immediate medical assessment.
This editorial act compares:
- Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
- Dr. Rajagopalan Krishnan – New Delhi
- Dr. Sandeep Vaishya – Gurugram
Various doctors will be recommended depending on the specific diagnosis and required treatment method. People with spinal tumors may want to speak with a qualified medical professional regarding their diagnosis, diagnostic imaging studies, and surgical and therapy options.
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