Page 231 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

238 Section III: Spinal Procedures

A B

C D

Figure 27.6 (A) Osteosarcoma of a lumbar vertebral body (arrows): transverse T1‐weighted MRI with contrast. (B) Primary vertebral body tumor (sarcoma)
in the thoracic spine (arrows): transverse T2‐weighted MRI. (C, D) Vertebral body fibrosarcoma (arrows): (C) sagittal T1‐weighted MRI and (D) T1‐
weighted MRI with contrast.

In humans, pain, numbness or change in sensory function, motor mentioned, spinal tumors can be divided into three main locations
function or loss of muscle control are common initial complaints in based on the relation to the spinal cord (extradural, intradural/
patients with spinal tumors. Pain may be localized or extend to hips, extramedullary, and intramedullary).
legs or fingers. Oftentimes a burning or aching sensation is reported. Extradural tumors are usually within or associated with the
Motor function could be weakness, spasticity, loss of bladder con- vertebral spinal canal. Extradural tumors are the most common
trol or, if left untreated, muscle atrophy, loss of muscle strength, location of primary spinal cord tumors. Tumors in this location
ataxia, and later paralysis [4]. cause pain by compressing or irritating the cord and meninges.
Approximately 50% of all spinal tumors are located in the extra-
dural space. Sarcomas (osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, fibrosar-
Spinal Tumor Location coma, and chondrosarcoma) and plasma cell tumors are the most
Understanding the location of spinal tumors in relation to the spi- common types of primary extradural bone tumor (Figure 27.6) [5].
nal cord can also help with the diagnosis and related clinical signs. Osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, chemodectoma,
Furthermore, it can help decide which radiological test is most anaplastic tumors, aortic body tumors, bronchogenic carcinoma,
likely to yield the most valuable and accurate results. As previously ganglioneuroma, malignant melanoma, mammary carcinomas,