What Patients Say About Cancer Treatment at New Hope
What Is a Spinal Tumor?
Fighting cancer starts with being armed with essential information about the disease.
A spinal tumor is an irregular mass of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord or spinal column, although sometimes it can occur in both. These cells proliferate uncontrollably, seemingly unchecked by the mechanisms that control normal cells. Spinal tumors are either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Primary tumors originate in the spinal cord or spine, and secondary tumors result from cancer metastasizing (spreading) from another body part to the spine.
Spinal Tumors We Treat at New Hope Unlimited
There are three main types of spinal tumors:
Intradural-Extramedullary Tumors
Intradural-Extramedullary (inside the dura) tumors begin within the spinal canal and outside of the nerves. In most cases, these tumors are noncancerous and slow growing, but they can cause pain and weakness. Meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors are common types of intradural-extramedullary growths.
Intramedullary Tumors
Intramedullary tumors emerge inside the spinal cord or the cells that provide physical support and insulation to the nervous system (glial cells). These tumors almost always occur in the cervical (neck) region. The most common types of intramedullary tumors are ependymomas and astrocytomas.
Vertebral Column Tumors
These tumors develop in the spinal column and grow from the bone or disc elements of the spine. Osteogenic sarcoma (osteosarcoma) is the most prevalent malignant bone tumor.
Spinal Tumor Symptoms in Men and Women
The most noticeable sign of spinal cancer is recurrent pain in the back, shoulder, and/or neck. Pain can manifest from a tumor pressing on sensitive nerve endings or causing spinal instability. If the abnormal mass of tissue continues compressing the spinal cord, symptoms may worsen and include:
- Pain in the back, neck, arms, and/or legs
- Muscle weakness and numbness in the arms and/or legs
- Spinal deformities or changes in posture
- Pain or difficulty with standing and walking
- Challenges with urination (incontinence)
- Changes in bowel habits (retention)
- Paralysis to varying degrees
Speak with a medical professional if you experience symptoms of spinal tumor progression. An accurate diagnosis, followed by proper treatment, can improve your spinal cancer prognosis.
Spinal Tumor Causes
Little is known about what causes spinal tumors. However, certain hereditary conditions may increase a person's risk of brain tumors or spinal tumors. These include:
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- Neurofibromatosis type 2
- Immune system disorders may play a role in spinal cord lymphomas
It is important to note that not everyone with risk factors develops spinal tumors, and not everyone without risk factors is immune to the disease.
Diagnostic Tests for Spinal Tumors
Diagnosing benign or malignant spinal tumors begin with blood work and imaging studies. An x-ray reveals the bone structures within the spine. A computerized tomography (CT) scan provides cross-sectional images of the spine for a more comprehensive evaluation of the spinal bones. Spinal MRI generates an accurate view of the soft tissues, which comprises the spine, spinal cord, and nerves. Altogether, these medical imaging techniques help locate the tumor and see the extent of progression. Last, a biopsy helps verify the type of tumor present and its severity. In this procedure, a surgeon collects a small piece of tissue and examines it under a microscope.
Choose New Hope for Spinal Tumor Alternative Treatments
We understand that quality of life is a primary concern for patients with terminal cancer. To protect each patient's physical and psychological wellness, we designed a combination of conventional and holistic spinal tumor therapies with the least impact on the body. Click here to learn more about our high-level of expertise, which sets us apart from many other cancer treatment providers.
Our Approach
Advanced Spinal Tumor Treatments
Top-Rated Physicians
Personal Care
Patient Satisfaction
Our Top-of-the-Line Medical Facilities
At New Hope Unlimited, we pride ourselves in providing superior comfort, cleanliness, and cancer care at our 8,000 square foot medical treatment center in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. We worked with renowned architects and contractors to create the ideal space for recovery, which includes state-of-the-art lounge areas and spacious private in-rooms that assure the comfort of our patients and their loved ones.
To make our patients feel right at home, each private ward is equipped with high-definition U.S. television, quality bedding, and high-speed internet connection. And with proper nutrition playing a vital role in cancer recovery, New Hope Unlimited also fulfills the dietary needs of each patient using fresh, organic produce to prepare breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners.
Comfort and cleanliness are also strictly implemented in our medical treatment rooms, which are equipped with the latest medical supplies and technology to provide the highest standard of care and treatment. Our medical center also has an in-house Hyperbaric Chamber, a well-established therapy for decompression sickness, exclusively available for our patients’ use.
Further, New Hope Unlimited has maintained its exceptional partnership with Hospital Migoo, a medical group comprised of certified physicians and specialists committed to our patients’ care and well-being.
Stories of New Hope
Life-changing tales of our cancer patient survivors.
FAQs
1. What specific treatments does New Hope offer?
From detoxification to nutrient supplementation, learn about our innovative combination of conventional, alternative, and holistic treatments for tumors of the spine.
2. Are spinal cancer alternative treatments painful?
Pain is a common symptom of spinal tumors and a well-known side effect of mainstream cancer therapies. If pain is a chronic problem in your case, comprehensive treatments, including specific pain management techniques, may be helpful in reducing physical discomfort.
