Low back pain is widespread and is not usually serious. If the pain awakens you during the night, is getting worse or is accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, weak legs, and/or difficulty urinating, it needs a proper scan. In other cases, it is caused by a tumor compressing the spinal cord or nerves. While it's sad news, it is far more manageable than most families would think.
Not all spinal tumors are cancerous. Many are harmless, like meningiomas, schwannomas and neurofibromas. They develop slowly and are troublesome primarily because they compress the adjacent nerves. Other cancer cells start elsewhere in the body and grow into the spine. An MRI is the main test, sometimes along with a CT scan or biopsy. Treatment will be based on the type of tumor, its location and overall health.
If you are searching for spine tumor treatment in Kolkata, you will find a lot of hospitals that you would have to choose from. Who will actually be doing the work on you is what's most important. Ensure that the surgeon treats these cases regularly, the centre has an operating microscope and live nerve monitoring, and the team has anaesthetists, oncologists and physiotherapists. The title is not enough to gauge the skill of the neurosurgeon. Many families request a top spine neurosurgeon in Kolkata for painless and smooth surgery. Ask if the surgeon has treated many patients with similar cases in the past, what he/she plans to do, and what he/she thinks the real risks are. A competent doctor will respond simply.
An advanced microscope is used in modern spine tumor surgery in Kolkata to provide a magnified view of the tumor and a specialized technique called "neuromonitoring" is employed, which monitors nerve signals during the procedure to ensure that the surgeon avoids damaging the spinal cord while removing the tumor.
If a tumor is benign, it may be possible to remove it entirely. That's the cure of spine tumors that patients wish for, but no surgeon can guarantee. The objective is different if the tumor is cancerous or has spread to other parts of the body. Surgery is used to relieve pressure, soothe pain, and improve walking and is generally followed by radiation and medication.
The patients are hospitalized for a couple of days in most cases. If your backbone is stable, you might be able to be assisted out of bed in 1-3 days. Pain is controlled with medicines, and a physiotherapist teaches you how to move safely.
It's a very rough timeline, but it looks something like the points below:
First 2 weeks: Rest, short walks, wound care.
Weeks 4-6: Lots of people go back to light desk jobs.
Follow-up MRI after about three months. After this point, the lifting is expected to be fairly unrestricted, provided that your surgeon approves.
For smooth and faster recovery after spine tumor surgery, it is very necessary to follow all post-operative instructions given by the surgeon, which include proper wound care, correct posture, avoiding heavy lifting and regular follow-up. Nerves heal slowly. This may still get better for a few months after the surgery.
Promptly notify surgical staff if fever, a red or leaking wound, new weakness, a worsening headache when standing or a swollen and painful calf are noticed. Don't wait for your next appointment.
The worst enemy in this situation is delay. The sooner pressure is removed from nerves, the sooner they will improve. If you have received a referral for a spinal growth, visit your specialist with your MRI scans and reports and request an explanation. The first step to recovery is knowledge of one's diagnosis.
