Spinal cord tumours.pptx

medical

1. PRIMARY BRAIN TUMORS Mrs.Usha Rani Kandula , Assistant professor, Department of nursing, Arsi University, Asella , Ethiopia.

2. SPINAL CORD TUMORS Tumors within the spine are classified according to their anatomic relation to the spinal cord. They include intramedullary lesions (within the spinal cord), extramedullary-intradural lesions ( within or under the spinal dura ), and extramedullary -extradural lesions (outside the dural membrane).

3. Tumors occurring within the spinal cord or exerting pressure on it cause symptoms ranging from localized or shooting pains and weakness and loss of reflexes above the tumor level to progressive loss of motor function and paralysis . Usually, sharp pain occurs in the area innervated by the spinal roots that arise from the cord in the region of the tumor. In addition, increasing sensory deficits develop below the level of the lesion.

4. Assessment and Diagnostic Findings Neurologic examination and diagnostic studies are used to make the diagnosis. Neurologic examination includes assessment of pain , loss of reflexes, loss of sensation or motor function, and the presence of weakness and paralysis . Helpful diagnostic studies include x-rays , radionuclide bone scans, and MRI. MRI is the most sensitive diagnostic tool and is particularly helpful in detecting epidural spinal cord compression and vertebral bone metastases.

5. Medical Management Treatment of specific intra spinal tumors depends on the type and location of the tumor and the presenting symptoms and physical status of the patient. Surgical intervention is the primary treatment for most spinal cord tumors. Other treatment modalities include partial removal of the tumor, decompression of the spinal cord , chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, particularly for intramedullary tumors and metastatic lesions .

6. Epidural spinal cord compression occurs in approximately 5% of patients who die of cancer and is considered a neurologic emergency. In the patient with epidural spinal cord compression resulting from metastatic cancer ( most commonly from breast, prostate, or lung), high-dose dexamethasone combined with radiation therapy is effective in relieving pain.

7. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT Tumor removal is desirable but not always possible. The goal is to remove as much tumor as possible while sparing uninvolved portions of the spinal cord. Microsurgical techniques have improved the prognosis for patients with intramedullary tumors . Prognosis is related to the degree of neurologic impairment at the time of surgery, the speed with which symptoms occurred, and the tumor origin. Patients with extensive neurologic deficits before surgery usually do not make significant functional recovery even after successful tumor removal.

8. Nursing Management PROVIDING PREOPERATIVE CARE ASSESSING THE PATIENT AFTER SURGERY MANAGING PAIN MONITORING AND MANAGING POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS Thanking you.