Spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths that develop within or near the spinal cord. These tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can occur at any age. The presence of a spinal cord tumor can lead to various neurological complications, affecting a person’s mobility and overall well-being. Mayo Clinic states that a spinal tumor can be life-threatening and cause permanent disability.
Platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking treatments for spinal cord tumors with the international hospitals and facilitators for affordable treatments on time.
Let’s explore about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments and how medical tourism in Malaysia, Singapore, and India play a vital role in providing advanced and effective care for patients.
Causes and Symptoms
The exact causes of spinal cord tumors remain unclear. However, certain risk factors such as genetic predisposition, exposure to radiation, and certain inherited conditions may increase the likelihood of developing these tumors.
The symptoms of spinal cord tumors vary depending on the location, size, and type of tumor. Common symptoms include persistent back pain, weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty walking, loss of coordination, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and sensory changes.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnostic process for spinal cord tumor involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to determine the nature of the tumor.
The primary goal of spinal cord tumor treatment is to remove or reduce the tumor while minimizing damage to the spinal cord. The treatment modalities may include:
- Surgery: Surgical intervention aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving neurological function. Neurosurgeons of New Jersey states that the recovery from the effects of the spinal tumor surgery itself is fairly standard and typically lasts about three to four weeks, no matter the type of tumor.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, or as a standalone treatment for inoperable tumors.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of medications to kill cancer cells. It may be used in cases of malignant spinal cord tumors or as an adjuvant therapy in combination with surgery or radiation.
- Targeted Therapies: Emerging targeted therapies aim to attack specific genetic or molecular abnormalities in spinal cord tumors. These therapies are still under investigation but show promise in certain cases.
Medical tourism and spinal cord tumors
Malaysia, Singapore, and India have emerged as prominent medical tourism destinations, offering world-class facilities, experienced healthcare professionals, and cutting-edge technologies. Here’s how medical tourism in these countries can aid in the treatment of spinal cord tumors:
- Advanced Medical Infrastructure: Malaysia, Singapore, and India boast state-of-the-art medical infrastructure with specialized centers equipped to handle complex spinal cord tumor cases.
- Expert Medical Professionals: These countries are home to highly skilled and internationally trained neurosurgeons, oncologists, and medical teams specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord tumors.
- Cost-Effective Treatments: Medical tourism offers cost advantages, with treatment expenses often significantly lower compared to Western countries.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour provide facilities for patients to combine their treatment with vacation.
In conclusion, spinal cord tumor refers to the abnormal growths that occur in the spinal cord. Medical tourism in Malaysia, Singapore, and India help the patients in getting their spinal cord tumors treated at affordable rates.