Hi All
I have recently been diagnosed with this :
"L5-L6 /s1 25 x 17x 15mm lobulated heterogeneous T2 hyperintense lesion results in expansion of the left neural foramen with posterior scalloping in the verterbral body . no herniation. Central canal and right neural foramen patent. Consistent with a nerve sheeth tumor "
I have been reading the spinal cord tumour forum and am a bit anxious of the many complications, so I want to get this treatment correct.
At the moment I don't have any of the common symptoms. This was found by accident, when looking at upper back and neck headaches on the left side in an MRI.
I went to a neurosurgeon today and he advised that it seems to be a very old long standing tumour due to the enlargement of the foramen and bone scalloping. So because its long standing its unlikely to be malignant. Now he advised that because he has no direct access, it will be tricky and hence it will be easier to do a laminectomy - cut the bones from the back. near it to get access and then do a 4 pin fusion of my back !
Is it possible to do this tumour removal without cutting the bones and the back fusion ? As it seems to be lot more risky to do this, then simply remove the tumour.
Also because it has been so long, he think their is no exact rush to do this also because I have no major symptoms yet.
Also I have seen on here several people with L5 tumours had nerve complications or damage after surgery, is this more or less risky then the L5-6 S1 location ?
Should I request my doctor use nerve monitoring ?
Any advise appreciated
I am located in Melbourne Australia, so if anyone know any experts in Melbourne for this that would be appreciated.
Jk