Spinal Cord Tumors are abnormal cell growths that develop inside the spinal cord, around it, or within the membranes that cover it. These tumors compress the neural tissues, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, muscle weakness and movement disorders. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that if Spinal Cord Tumors are not diagnosed early, they may lead to permanent nerve damage.
The spinal cord is the most important neural center that enables communication between the brain and the body. Therefore, a tumor developing in the spinal cord can cause not only pain but also serious neurological disorders such as motor and sensory loss. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı highlights that early diagnosis and modern surgical techniques are lifesaving in these conditions.
Intramedullary Tumors
Tumors that form within the spinal cord tissue. They are often astrocytomas or ependymomas.
Develop outside the spinal cord but within the dural membranes. Meningiomas and schwannomas are included in this group.
Appear outside the spinal cord, in the vertebral bones or surrounding tissues. They are usually metastatic.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that the treatment plan for Spinal Cord Tumors varies greatly depending on the tumor’s location and that surgical strategy must be tailored accordingly.
Genetic Factors
Hereditary conditions such as neurofibromatosis or von Hippel–Lindau syndrome increase tumor formation risks.
Long-term exposure to radiation may disrupt cellular structure and lead to tumor development.
Cancer cells from another part of the body may spread to the spinal cord.
A weakened immune system makes uncontrolled tumor cell growth easier.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that although most Spinal Cord Tumor causes are not fully known, early identification of risk factors plays a significant role in prevention.
Pain
The most common symptom. Notable for back or lower back pain that worsens especially at night and does not change with movement.
Numbness and Tingling
Occurs in the arms or legs due to spinal cord compression.
Muscle Weakness
Disturbed nerve transmission causes difficulty walking, lifting the arms or maintaining posture.
Loss of Balance
Spinal cord compression leads to stumbling and imbalance while walking.
Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
In advanced cases, inability to urinate, urinary incontinence or severe control issues may develop.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı notes that these symptoms progress slowly and patients often seek help late, although early diagnosis can prevent permanent nerve damage.
Benign Tumors
Grow slowly and usually do not spread. Examples include meningioma, schwannoma and ependymoma.
Malignant Tumors
Grow rapidly and spread to surrounding tissues. Astrocytoma, sarcoma and metastatic tumors are included in this group.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that in malignant Spinal Cord Tumors, early surgical intervention and oncological treatments significantly extend survival.
Neurological Examination
Muscle strength, reflexes, sensory loss and balance are assessed.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The most detailed imaging method for evaluating the spinal cord. The size of the tumor and its relationship with nerves are clearly identified.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Used to determine effects on bone structure.
Biopsy
A sample of the tumor tissue is taken for microscopic examination.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that MRI plays the most critical role in diagnosis and that in some cases, due to the tumor’s location, biopsy must be performed during surgery.
Surgical Treatment
The aim is to remove the tumor completely or partially, relieve nerve compression, and preserve spinal cord functions.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı highlights that modern microsurgical techniques allow the tumor to be removed without damaging neural tissues.
Neuro-monitoring is used during surgery to continuously check neurological functions.
Radiotherapy
Used to destroy remaining tumor cells after surgery, especially in malignant tumors.
Chemotherapy
Applied in certain tumor types to target cancer cells systemically.
Neural Therapy and Rehabilitation
Can be used after surgery to reduce pain and balance the nervous system. Rehabilitation aims to restore muscle strength and balance.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that a multidisciplinary approach (neurology, oncology, physical therapy) is essential.
Microscopic Surgery
Provides access to the spinal cord with minimal trauma. The tumor is removed without damaging neural tissues.
Endoscopic Surgery
Performed through small incisions, shortening recovery time.
Robotic Surgery
Allows high precision and reduces the risk of nerve injury.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that technological advancements have increased success rates and minimized complications in Spinal Cord Tumor surgery.
Due to the narrow structure of the spinal canal, tumors developing in the spinal cord cause nerve compression quickly. Therefore, early diagnosis is the most effective way to protect nerve functions.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı warns patients not to misinterpret persistent back pain as “muscle pain” and stresses that pain worsening at night is particularly alarming.
Physical Rehabilitation
Special exercise programs are used for patients who experience postoperative muscle weakness.
Balance and Gait Training
Coordination is restored through re-education of the neural pathways.
Neurological Follow-Up
Regular controls assess the status of nerve functions.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that rehabilitation is not only a physical process but also psychological, and that patient morale plays a major role in recovery.
Long-term pain, movement limitations and uncertainty can lead to anxiety and depression. Psychological support is therefore important during treatment.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional well-being as well as physical recovery.
Healthy Nutrition
Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables strengthen the immune system.
Fish, walnuts and flaxseed—rich in omega-3—support nerve health.
Regular Exercise
Light exercises supervised by a physiotherapist maintain muscle balance.
Stress Management
Breathing exercises and meditation reduce pain perception.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı highlights that lifestyle changes are as important as treatment itself.
Treatment cost varies depending on tumor type, location, surgical technique, length of hospital stay and additional therapies.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı creates individualized, budget-friendly plans to achieve both medical success and economic balance.
Postoperative periodic MRI scans are used to monitor recurrence.
If recurrence is detected early, it can be controlled with minimal intervention.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı recommends a follow-up period of at least 5 years and states that regular control is lifesaving.
Early diagnosis is the most effective protective approach for preserving nerve functions.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that with awareness and regular check-ups, spinal cord–related diseases can be stopped early.
Spinal Cord Tumors are serious conditions affecting the most delicate part of the nervous system. However, with early diagnosis, modern surgical methods and individualized treatment planning, high success rates can be achieved.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, with his expertise and experience in neurosurgery, provides scientific, safe and lasting solutions in the treatment of Spinal Cord Tumors.
Protecting spinal cord health is fundamental not only for quality of life but also for maintaining freedom of movement.
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