N.V.C, 47, from Bac Ninh, suffered from persistent back pain for 10 months, experiencing numbness and burning sensations on his left arm, with pain increasing when coughing or making vigorous movements. He thought that he had contracted a spinal condition and got treatment for cervical disc herniation.

His condition worsened over the last six months with increased pain and numbness on the left side of his body, muscle weakness in his left arm and a significant loss of sensation on the left side.

C came to Viet Duc Hospital in Hanoi with severe symptoms, including sensory disturbances and weakness on his left side. He was asked to have an MRI which then discovered a tumor within the spinal cord.

Tumors in spinal code are a complex problem, which, according to Associate Professor Dong Van He, Deputy Director at Viet Duc Hospital, are classified into three main types:

Extradural Tumor: The tumor is located outside the spinal cord membrane, with little direct impact on the spinal parenchyma.

Subdural (Extramedullary) Tumor: Tumor is located situated between the dura mater and spinal cord tissue, posing a risk of spinal cord compression.

Intramedullary Tumor: Tumor is developed within the spinal cord tissue itself, directly damaging its structure.

The tumour found in C’s spinal cord was the most dangerous type. This is a type of surgery which is extremely complex because the spinal cord is a central nervous system organ, responsible for managing motor activities, sensation, and autonomic functions. 

Before the surgery, C was informed about the risk of potential loss of motor or sensory functions and complete paralysis. The surgery was extraordinarily challenging because of the special location of the tumor. It was large, located near the respiratory and circulatory centers, posing risks of paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death.

Fortunately, the surgery was successful. The patient has seen significant improvements, with sensation on his left side beginning to recover. Motor functions have gradually improved, and the pain and muscle spasms have significantly subsided. 

With his health improved, C was discharged from hospital, and told to follow active physical therapy and keep a close watch over his health to avoid possible post-surgical complications.

Dr He said MRI scans are the most effective method for early detection of spinal tumors, making surgeries easier and minimizing the risk of permanent functional loss.

Vo Thu