Metastic Lesions
(Leukemia, Hodgkin's Disease)
The mechanism of metastatic spread of tumors to the spine is not fully understood. Theorist suggests that the bony trabeculae of the vertebral bodies present a site for lodging of metastatic emboli, which occur secondary to the low flow state within the venous sinusoids. There are also other low venous flow sites throughout the body that exist as well. The specific host tissue site provides a suitable environment for creating metastatic tissue and the most reasonable explanation for metastatic deposits in the spine are multifactorial. The route of transmission is via the venous system, but there can be spread through direct contact. In addition, arterial and lymphatic spread may contribute to tumor deposits within the spine.
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Signs & Symptoms
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Yu J, Zhao DD, Chen S, Zhang JM, Xu J. Primary melanoma of the cervical spine with cerebral metastases: case report and review of the literature.
Cervical Cord Tumors
Cervical cord tumors are an abnormal mass of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord and spinal column, which is were cells grown and multiply. Spinal tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors can start in the spine or spinal cord, and metastic tumors can result from cancer spreading from another site to the spine. Cervical cord tumors can be referred to based on their location, such as intradural-extramedullary, intramedullary, and extradural.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
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Ardeshiri A, Chen B, Hütter BO, et al. Intramedullary spinal cord astrocytomas: the influence of localization and tumor extension on resectability and functional outcome.
Lung Cancer; Pancoast's Tumor
Pancoast tumors are lung cancers that begin in the upper quadrants (right or left) of the lungs and begin to invade the chest wall. Sometimes referred to as sulcus tumors. There can be masses in the apical chest, which include primary tumors of the thyroid, larynx, and pleura. Some other causes can include infectious disorders of the lung, aneurysms of the subclavian vessels, amyloid of pleura, and multiple myeloma. The primary condition must exclude thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and cervical disc disease. Using neurological examination, electromyographic studies, and ulnar nerve studies can do this.
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Signs & Symptoms
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Gu R, Kang MY, Gao ZL, Zhao JW, Wang JC. Differential diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy and superior pulmonary sulcus tumor.
Esophageal Cancer
The esophagus is a muscular tube that is found at the neck and proceeds to the abdomen, which connects the mouth to the stomach. The lining of the esophagus is the most common site for cancers of the esophagus to begin. The esophagus is filled with squamous cells that can degenerate to become a malignant tumor, and become a type of cancer called squamous cell cancer. The esophagus and the regions of the esophagus and stomach are also lined with columnar cells that can become malignant tumors called adenocarcinomas.
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Signs & Symptoms
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Lee DH, Kim NH, Hwang CJ, et al. Neglected esophageal perforation after upper thoracic vertebral fracture
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland. The thyroid I located in the front of the neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the ways the human body produces energy to function normally. Early intervention is the best combatant for thyroid cancer. Experts are not fully sure as to how thyroid cancer is caused, but the role of an individuals DNA may play a role. Incidence of thyroid cancer increases with age, as well as those whom have been exposed to radiation.
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Signs & Symptoms
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Schneider DF, Chen H. New developments in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer.
Cervical Bone Tumors
Cervical spine cancer is a condition where tumors grow near the spinal column. Tumors develop within the dural sac. Cervical spine tumors only make up 0.04 % of all tumors and 10% of all bone tumors. Treatment may include non-surgical interventions unless the tumors have created a neurological block.
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signs & symptoms
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Bohlman HH, Sachs BL, Carter JR, Riley L, Robinson RA. Primary neoplasms of the cervical spine. Diagnosis and treatment of twenty-three patients.
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