neoplasms of the lumbar spine

Neoplasms in the spine can be a primary diagnosis or a secondary from some other disease. When neoplasms form in the lumbar spine they can press on the nerves and affect the motor skills of the patient. Some patients may not even know if there is a neoplasm in their spine unless the mass is pushing or invading nerves of the spine. Treatment can involve radiation therapy, chemo, or surgical removal depending on the location.

Thoracic metastases

Mostly commonly found in patients with lung, prostate, and breast cancer. Metastasis is the term used where there is only one tumor found and metastases is when there is multiple. When the cancer has spread to the thoracic spine the main bones of the thoracic spine become brittle and lead to compression fractures. The spread can also cause masses in the spinal canal causing compression on the spinal cord causing motor function problems. The means of treatment include radiation, chemo, and surgical intervention.

Cervical disc bulge

Cervical disc bulge or commonly referred to as "slipped disc" are fairly common problems with the neck. The discs that separate the bodies are put through wear and tear everyday and these cushions help our spine move. These discs can sometimes become dislodged and cause pressure on the spinal cord causing multiple symptoms such as paralysis, numbness or tingling are just some of the few. Treatment for a slipped disc can range from physical therapy, injections into the spine or surgery to remove the slipped disc.

Carotid stenosis

Carotid stenosis is one of the major causes of stroke. This occurs when the walls of the major vessels supplying the brain become partially obstructed or blocked. Plaque can form on these walls or a blood clot can become lodged. The common treatment for this problem is a vascular procedure where a balloon is forced through the vessel to help clean out the blockage, or a stent can be placed to help open the vessel more. If the problem is caught early it can be resolved without and permanent damage.,

lipoma in neck

Lipomas are the growth of fat cells just beneath the skin. These are usually found on the neck legs and back. Lipomas are slow growing and usually painless growths that add cosmetic changes to the affected area such as bumps that feel mushy. Treatment is done for lipomas if there is infection, draining, or increase in size. Treatment is removal of the lipoma and stitches.

Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is caused when a artery wall becomes weakened and expands with the potential to burst causing long term effects to motor skills and neuro functions and possible death. The bleeding within the brain causes pressure on the components of the brain. The treatment for aneurysm includes clips that go ove the artery whichs stops the bleeding. In the picture to the left you will notice the aneurysm in the circle of willis.

Blowout fractures

These types of fracture are the most common facial fracture on second to broken nose. These types of fractures occur after a direct blow to the orbit. This is a very dangerous situation that could result in blindness in the affected eye. Damage to the optic nerve and optic globe are huge concerns that must be remedied quickly to speed of recovery and have less chance of permanent damage. The pictures seen here represent a orbital fracture and a way to repair the damage with a mesh to help reform the orbit.

Optic Gliomas

Optic gliomas are a found in the eye and are fairly rare. Most optic gliomas are slow growing and occur before the age of 20. Some of the symptoms a patient may have include, eye bulging, loss of vision, double vision, squinting. Surgery is often the course for treatment followed by chemo.

Pituitary Adenomas

This is a very common tumor affecting the pituitary gland.  Some of the symptoms a patient that has one my present with vision loss, facial pain, weight gain and hormone imbalances.  The most common treatment for these types of tumors are radiation or surgery.  For imaging the pituitary gland MRI is far superior compared to CT as it will show all the blood flow better and the detail is greater.

Acoustic Neuromas

Acoustic neuromas or schwanomas are one of the most common tumors to affect the internal auditory canal. When tumors are found in this area, the patient usually has symptoms such as hearing loss, balance issues, or possible facial tingling. The compression on the cranial nerves from the tumor depending on the size and exact location will determine how many symptoms or how bad they become. The most commony used treatments are radiation and surgery.

Glioblastomas

When scanning the head one of the most common types of pathology I come across are gliomas. Of the tumors that are gliomas almost half are glioblastomas. They usually develope in the cerebral hemispheres, most often in the frontal lobes. When contrast is given on these patients the tumor it usually has a ring like enhancement. My experience with these patients is that the tumor almost always comes back even after removal. This seems to be a very aggressive tumor.