Metastases in the spine: symptoms. Metastases in the spine: manifestation

Cancer is a disease that is ignoredis impossible. Moreover, it is important not only to react to the occurrence of a malignant tumor, but to do it as soon as possible. It is also important to know that often the signs of some forms of cancer appear in the back, provoking noticeable symptoms. Metastases in the spine, therefore, deserve special attention.

Relevance of the problem

The appearance of metastases in the back area can bea consequence of the formation of a malignant tumor of the prostate and mammary gland, adrenals, kidneys and not only. In fact, in the area of ​​the spine can manifest any form of cancer.

Sometimes such reactions are possible even afterseveral years after the end of treatment. In some cases, such signs - metastases in the spine - can make themselves felt after a 20-year period of healthy life. At such times, tumors should be treated with extreme seriousness, otherwise an extremely sad outcome is possible.

As to the fact of which departmentthe spine will manifest secondary cancers, it largely depends on the location of the primary tumor. For example, metastases in the cervical spine show against the background lymphosarcoma or sarcoma of the nasopharynx. It is also worth noting that secondary signs can make themselves felt before the main focus. Because of this, in some cases, the initial diagnosis is incorrect, although the fact that the patient is being diagnosed is already positive.

Why is this happening

In total, of all diagnosed tumors, 13%are metastatic neoplasms located in the region of the spinal canal. In this case, the tumors themselves can be located both inside the spinal cord and outside it. In the case of the last species, the location is possible under the dura mater and above it.

Often it is the secondary lesion of the epiduralspace leads to the appearance of compression of the spinal cord in cancer patients. This process is due to the spread of the paravertebral tumor through the intervertebral foramen.

With such an issue as metastases in the spine,the symptoms can accurately diagnose the effect of the tumor in 90% of cases. The same cancer cells enter this area of ​​the body through the blood, and in some cases through the lymphatic ways and the lymph.

Main features

No matter what kind of health problemhas a place, she always has symptoms. Metastases in the spine suggest that the body develops a cancerous tumor. There are a number of features that distinguish them from other diseases that form in the back area:

- the rapid development of complete or partial paralysis is possible;

- the pain manifests itself quickly, and similar sensations in the affected spine do not actually change even after using pain medications;

- with a change in the position of the body, the degree of pain increases significantly, which leads to a noticeable limitation of mobility;

- along with other signs of the disease, such neurological symptoms as loss of sensation, numbness and tingling are quickly manifested.

It should be understood that such a change in statepatient may also be accompanied by a significant deterioration in overall health. As a result, the patient has rapid weight loss, a violation of sleep and appetite. All this indicates a metastasis in the spine. It is difficult to ignore such symptoms, but sometimes people even delay a visit to a doctor if they are in serious condition. Do not do this, because timely diagnosis and qualified treatment radically affect life expectancy in the case of cancer.

What forecasts can there be?

Initially, it is worthwhile to understand the fact thatRapid development of symptoms is associated with rapid progression of metastases. Primary tumor formations grow more slowly (a year and even longer), but with a secondary situation, the opposite is diametrically opposite.

It is for this reason, when such adiagnosis as a metastasis in the spine, the prognosis is often unfavorable. However, it largely depends on the stage of the disease. In this regard, it is worth repeating once again that the earlier a problem is identified, such as secondary cancers, the greater the chances of a positive outcome.

Also, the fact thatfix metastases in the spine. Symptoms and manifestations that indicate secondary formations of a previously removed tumor require special treatment.

Clinical picture

Depending on the size and number of formationscan change and symptoms. Metastases in the spine are also able to differently affect the patient's condition, developing in certain parts of the spine. This is not surprising, because every vertebra is in close proximity to the arteries and nerve roots, connected to various organs and parts of the body.

When there are metastases in the cervical regionspine, the symptoms are reduced to pain when trying to rotate the head or tilt it. Also, because of the compression of the vertebral artery, many patients begin to suffer from headaches and occasional dizziness.

Metastases in a different way manifest themselves inlumbar spine. Symptoms and changes in the condition require professional diagnosis, as they are very similar to the problems accompanying various kidney diseases.

Sometimes with such metastases a strongStatic stress, which can lead to fracture of the compression-type vertebrae, which significantly distort the posture. But this is not all, such fractures sometimes cause damage to the spinal cord, which results in partial or complete paralysis of the lower extremities.

When metastases in the thoracic department are diagnosedspine, the symptoms mostly have the form of discomfort or pain in the area between the scapula. It is worth knowing that this type of tumor manifestation becomes noticeable later than others, in view of its anatomical features.

Radicular disorders

In this case, the occurrence ofcalled radicular pain. They can appear in the cervical region, and sometimes make themselves felt through the lumbosacral radiculitis. It all depends on where the hearth is located. In some cases, the surrounding nature of pain is possible.

There are also positive symptomstension and soreness when feeling the spinous processes. Often, this symptomatology is accompanied by the formation of zones of reduced and hypersensitivity along the root type. This is a lesion of the thoracic and cervical spine. Other symptoms are also possible - metastases in the spine sometimes lead to inhibition of Achilles and knee reflexes.

Sometimes the pain is completely gone for a while, but it's in themost cases do not mean a recovery, but a complete destruction of the initially affected nerve root. Subsequently, when the tumor spreads to other nerve fibers, the pain resumes.

Myelitic syndrome

Such a state is a consequence of squeezingspinal cord tumor. Such cases often occur with prostate cancer, thyroid gland, with malignant lesions of the lung and breast.

The compression of this type can be fixed inany part of the spine, but most often the effect on the spinal cord occurs in the thoracic region. Often the degree of increase in pressure increases rapidly, but a slow change in the patient's condition is possible.

In this case, the pain syndrome manifests itself significantlyearlier than other symptoms. Metastases in the spine can lead to the development of flaccid paralysis, which causes a complete loss of sensitivity of the conductor type. But this happens only with a sudden squeezing.

The pain itself is of a local nature and is felt in the area of ​​tumor lesion of the spine.

Polyneuropathic syndrome

Such syndrome is characterized by the developmentparesthesias, excessive sweating of feet and brushes, as well as concomitant hyperemia with oppression of achilles, knee reflexes and malnutrition. In addition, there may be a reduced sensitivity by the type of stockings and gloves in the area of ​​the hands and feet.

In 4% of cases of tumor lesions of the spine, they are known to know intramedullary metastases in the spinal cord.

It is worth knowing about the fact that the diagnosis is most accurately posed in patients with radicular or localized pain, as well as with spinal cord expansion and progressive bilateral paresis.

Metastases in the spine: symptoms before death

In a neglected state, cancer leads to disruption of metabolic processes, and throughout the body. The local symptoms also increase markedly.

This means that the destruction of the spine at the sites of tumor exposure reaches a critical level. There is also severe vomiting and nausea, headaches, anemia.

To the dying symptoms is a changethe rhythm of breathing: it is fast, it practically stops. In severe patients, a decrease or increase in temperature is observed, which is well below the permissible norm. Symptomatic of this kind includes apathy, indifference and loss of interest in everything that is happening.

Also, a man whose death is near, almost does not eat and drinks very little. All this is accompanied by excessive weakness and drowsiness. Even hallucinations are possible.

The result

Cancer is a disease whose outcome is largelydepends on timely diagnosis. Therefore, if any signs resembling metastases in the spine were seen, you should immediately go to the hospital. If suspicions are confirmed, professional treatment can significantly extend the life of the patient.