Lisa2
Junior Member
Posts: 5
|
Post by Lisa2 on Feb 3, 2012 15:32:08 GMT -6
Hello All,
I have recently been diagnosed with a 10 mm foraminal nodule, likely a nerve sheath tumor (Schwannoma?) at the L1-L2 level. It is located on the dorsal root ganglion, right inside the vertebral foramin. It apparently ran out of space to grow because that is a tiny spot, started rubbing on the bone, and inflamed, sending me to the hospital in massive pain. The pain is subsiding (inflammation receding?) but I have been advised to have surgery.
I have a couple of questions that may seem silly, but I'm trying to figure all of this out.
First, is this considered a "spinal cord tumor" even though it is really on the nerve root?
Is this intradural or extradural - I look at pictures and can't really tell where the dura technically ends.
Has anyone ever heard of a tumor in this location (not necessarily this level, but in the foramen and on the DRG)? How was it treated, and what were the results?
Is a surgeon specializing in spinal cord tumors the right place to go?
Thanks for any info you can give me.
Lisa
|
|
|
|
Post by bowtruckle on Feb 7, 2012 8:31:34 GMT -6
Hi Lisa,
I'm sorry, but I don't know that I can really answer all of your questions. I have also recently been diagnosed with two nerve sheath tumors (possibly Schwannoma) and I am also trying to figure things out.
The smaller tumor (T1) has been described as being at the "left emerging nerve root of T1" / "left neural foramen of T1." The larger tumor is bilateral and dumbbell shaped at S1 and there are "prominent nerve sheaths" at L5 and widening of the neural foramina. I guess I assumed that the smaller one was intradural, and the dumbbell included both intradural and extradural components. But your post has got me thinking that maybe they're both extradural? I'll find out for sure when I see the specialists at the Mayo in April.
I think you should definitely find a neurosurgeon who specializes in spinal cord tumors. The nerve roots are still part of the peripheral nervous system, and regardless of whether it is intra or extradural, you still want someone who has experience with surgery involving the spinal cord.
If it's any help, I've also been told that I need surgery. I found it helpful to read people's stories on the people pages. The summary generally tells you the type of tumor and location.
Have you seen a neurosurgeon yet?
~ Kirsty
|
|
|
|
Post by Charity R. on Feb 7, 2012 21:17:44 GMT -6
my schwannoma tumor started on the nerve along my rib at t-9 and entered the spinal canal and compressed my cord to almost nothing. I don't know if this is what yours is doing.
I too can't answer these questions for you, but your neurosurgeon can.
My neurosurgeon had never done this type of surgery but he was the best in the area and I didn't really have an option. The timing of the removal was critical. While my surgeon did a fabulous job I would make sure that you pick a surgeon who has successfully done the surgery before. My reason is that while most NS can probably remove them there are issues that I think are learned from experience.
|
|
Lisa2
Junior Member
Posts: 5
|
Post by Lisa2 on Feb 11, 2012 12:27:18 GMT -6
Hi Charity,
Thanks for the reply. I have been on two neurosurgical consults, but both surgeons did not have a lot of experience in foraminal nerve sheath tumors. I think finding someone who does is a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack! I have already contacted Dr. Jallo, and am working on getting an appointment to go see him in Baltimore.
Currently my tumor is rather small and just inside the neural foramen, but the fear is that it will grow and attach itself to the spinal cord, which will be a bigger problem. That said, I don't want to go through the risks of surgery if I don't absolutely have to. So, I hear what you are saying about timing!
Lisa
|
|
|
|
Post by moorhead on Feb 16, 2013 18:16:26 GMT -6
My Shwannoma is only 1cm its located at the l4 l5 in the spinal cord.
Just wish I understood more. The nero surgeon said he didn't want to see me unless it grew or I had a drop foot. Help......
|
|
|
|
Post by heatherp on Mar 10, 2013 11:44:29 GMT -6
hi moorhead! are you still using this board? my tumor was also at the L-4 L-5. having it removed was the only option i had bc the pain was horrific. what are your symptoms and how did you find out you had a tumor? heather in mississippi
|
|
|
|
Post by umahjaqapif on Jun 9, 2019 9:42:17 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by ugijato on Jun 9, 2019 11:21:40 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by uderosahevece on Jun 12, 2019 22:24:10 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by iqizujeac on Jun 13, 2019 0:23:32 GMT -6
|
|
