thoracic spinal canal and spinal cord meningioma

Thoracic Spinal Canal Meningioma

The thoracic spine, located in the middle back region, is the most common site for spinal meningiomas to occur [8]. These tumors arise from the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the spinal cord. In the context of thoracic spinal canal meningiomas, the dural attachment is predominantly lateral, with a significant proportion (62.9%) of cases exhibiting this characteristic [14].

Spinal Cord Meningioma

A spinal cord meningioma is a type of tumor that grows in one of the meninges surrounding the spinal cord. These tumors are usually benign and non-malignant, although rare cases can be cancerous [3]. The majority of spinal meningiomas occur in the posterior, posterolateral, or lateral thoracic region, making the thoracic spine a common location for these tumors to develop [8].

Key Statistics

• The most common location for spinal meningiomas is the thoracic spinal canal (71.

Symptoms of Thoracic Spinal Canal and Spinal Cord Meningioma

Meningiomas that occur in the thoracic region of the spine can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on their location and size. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Pain: Pain is a common symptom of spinal meningioma, often radiating from the site of the tumor to other parts of the body [3]. The pain may be sharp or feel like burning or tingling feelings due to compression of nerves.
• Weakness or numbness: As the tumor grows, it can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to weakness or numbness in the arms or legs [2].
• Difficulty with bladder, bowel, and/or sexual function: Spinal meningiomas can also cause problems with bladder, bowel, and/or sexual function due to compression of the nerves that control these functions [2].
• Back pain: Back pain is a common symptom of spinal tumors, including meningiomas. The pain may be sharp or dull and can radiate from the spine to other parts of the body [4].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to the symptoms listed above, some people with thoracic spinal canal and spinal cord meningioma may experience:

• Headaches: Headaches are a possible symptom of spinal meningioma, although they are not common [7].
• Seizures: Seizures can occur in rare cases, especially if the tumor is large or has caused significant damage to the brain or spinal cord [7].
• Dizziness: Dizziness or lightheadedness may be experienced due to compression of the nerves that control balance and equilibrium [7].

Important Note

It's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms that suggest a spinal meningioma, such as severe pain, weakness, numbness, or difficulty with bladder, bowel, and/or sexual function. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

References:

[1] Context result 2 [2

Diagnostic Tests for Thoracic Spinal Canal and Spinal Cord Meningioma

Diagnosing a thoracic spinal canal and spinal cord meningioma requires a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests. Here are the diagnostic tests used to identify this type of tumor:

• Imaging tests: These are the most important components in diagnosing spinal meningiomas. The following imaging tests may be ordered:
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is a non-invasive test that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of your spine. It can help identify the location and size of the tumor [9].
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI represents the gold standard for diagnosing spinal meningiomas, especially in the thoracic region [3]. It provides detailed images of the soft tissues surrounding the spine.
  • Spinal angiography: This test is used to evaluate the lesion's vascular supply and risk of spinal cord ischemia, particularly in lower thoracic lesions that occur near the artery of Adamkiewicz [11].
• Blood tests: Your healthcare provider may order certain blood tests to look for abnormal levels of substances in your blood, such as calcium and alkaline phosphatase [7].

Additional Diagnostic Modalities

Other diagnostic modalities may be used to assess the tumor's characteristics and potential impact on surrounding tissues. These include:

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: This test can help evaluate the metabolic activity of the tumor.
• Spinal angiography with contrast: This test is used to visualize the blood vessels supplying the tumor.

References

[3] by C Hohenberger · 2023 · Cited by 10 — Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents the gold standard and has greatly improved preoperative diagnosis and treatment. SM display a ...

[7] by DD Dang · 2024 · Cited by 7 — Additional diagnostic radiographic modalities may include computed tomography (CT) to assess for the presence of calcification and even positron ...

[9] Feb 16, 2018 — Magnetic resonance examinations ... MR studies are best at defining the location and extent of meningiomas. These lesions are isointense on T1- ...

[11] Once a spinal meningioma is suspected based on clinical and radiographic presentation, spinal angiography can be used to evaluate the lesion’s vascular supply and risk of spinal cord ischemia, particularly in lower thoracic lesions that occur near the artery of Adamkiewicz; the largest anterior segmental medullary artery that typically lies ...

Based on the search results, it appears that there are limited options for drug treatment of thoracic spinal canal and spinal cord meningiomas.

• Chemotherapy: While chemotherapy is a standard treatment for many types of cancer, its effectiveness in treating meningiomas is not well established. According to search result [8], chemotherapy may be considered as an option for some patients with meningioma, but it is not typically used as a primary treatment.
• Membrane-stabilizing anticonvulsants: Search result [9] mentions that membrane-stabilizing anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and carbamazepine may reduce neuropathic radicular pain from lateral recess stenosis. However, it is unclear whether these medications would be effective in treating the symptoms of thoracic spinal canal and spinal cord meningioma.

It's worth noting that surgery remains the primary treatment for most cases of spinal meningioma, including those affecting the thoracic spine (search results [6], [7]). The goal of surgery is to completely remove the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding neural tissue.

In summary, while there are some potential options for drug treatment of thoracic spinal canal and spinal cord meningioma, these are not well established and may not be effective in all cases. Surgery remains the primary treatment for most patients with this condition.

References: [8] - Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for many types of cancer, but its effectiveness in treating meningiomas is not well established. [9] - Membrane-stabilizing anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and carbamazepine may reduce neuropathic radicular pain from lateral recess stenosis.