Spinal Tumor Clinic
Spinal Tumor Clinic at Nafaur’s Neurocare
The Spinal Tumor Clinic at Nafaur’s Neurocare provides pediatric neurosurgical evaluation and treatment guidance for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents with suspected or diagnosed spinal tumors.
A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth that develops in or around the spinal cord, spinal nerves, or surrounding structures. It may affect nerve function and interfere with a child’s movement, sensation, balance, and bladder or bowel control. Some spinal tumors grow slowly, while others may progress more quickly.
Types of Pediatric Spinal Tumors
The clinic provides consultation for different spinal tumors and related conditions, including:
- Spinal cord tumors
- Intradural spinal tumors
- Extradural spinal tumors
- Intramedullary tumors
- Spinal astrocytoma
- Spinal ependymoma
- Spinal lipoma
- Dermoid cyst
- Epidermoid cyst
- Arachnoid cyst
- Neurofibroma
- Schwannoma
The exact nature of a spinal lesion needs to be established through clinical assessment and appropriate investigations.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location, size, and type of the tumor. Children with spinal tumors may experience:
- Persistent or worsening back pain
- Neck or back discomfort
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Numbness or changes in sensation
- New foot deformity or limb weakness
- Scoliosis or changes in spinal posture
- Urinary difficulties or loss of bladder control
- Bowel control problems
- Reduced mobility or developmental difficulties
Some symptoms may develop gradually. New or progressive neurological symptoms should be assessed promptly by a specialist.
Diagnosis and Assessment
The evaluation of a suspected spinal tumor begins with a review of the child’s symptoms, medical history, and neurological examination. MRI of the spine is commonly used to assess the location and extent of a spinal lesion.
Depending on the findings, further investigations may include additional imaging, specialist consultations, biopsy, or histopathological examination. The diagnostic approach depends on the suspected tumor and the child’s clinical condition.
Pediatric Spinal Tumor Treatment Guidance
Treatment depends on the tumor type, location, size, growth pattern, and effect on the spinal cord and nerves. Some children may need neurosurgical removal or biopsy. Others may require oncology assessment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Surgery must be carefully planned because the spinal cord and nerves control important body functions. The aim of treatment is to manage the tumor while protecting neurological function as much as possible.
Nafaur’s Neurocare provides pediatric neurosurgical consultation, treatment planning, and coordination with oncology and rehabilitation specialists when required.
Follow-Up and Rehabilitation
Follow-up is important after diagnosis and treatment. Children may need monitoring of strength, sensation, walking ability, spinal alignment, and bladder-bowel function.
Depending on the child’s needs, rehabilitation may include physiotherapy, mobility support, and other specialist services. Long-term follow-up helps assess recovery and identify new or recurring symptoms.
Spinal Tumor Consultation at Nafaur’s Neurocare
Nafaur’s Neurocare provides pediatric neurosurgical evaluation for children with spinal tumors and related neurological conditions. Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital and Chief Consultant at Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre.
For consultation and treatment guidance, visit the Pediatric Oncology service or book an appointment.
For further information about childhood spinal cord tumors, visit the National Cancer Institute.