Spinal Canal Tumor

[tlephraim]

I was told there is a tumor at my T2 (right side) in the spinal canal mild compression about 9mm.  However, I am having difficulty breating, pain in neck, back, and entire right side of my body all the way down to my right foot between my big toe.  The doctors think tumor is a neurofribroma or a meningioma.  Is there a way to be sure of exactly what this tumor is?  How can it be tested for cancer?  The pain sometimes is an ache and sometimes stabing in the area near the spine.  Sometimes pain behind the right eye, headaches, and pain in the right ear.  It appears that they are not taking my painful complaints serious.  What you do recommend I do?  What is your professional opionion?  Can this tumor be removed without serious complications?

[Dr Vinod]

Whenever you have a tumour inside your brain or spinal cord your line of treatment is very delicate and restricted.
They cannot do a biopsy and if the Neurosurgeon decides for surgery then they will send a part of the tumour to see if it has cancer cells.
All your symptoms are due to the tumour which is compressing your space and nerves so you are feeling these changes.
Once the tumour is treated your symptoms will go off.
Discuss with the Neurologist/Neurosurgeon for the course of treatment and go ahead.
Take care!

[tlephraim]

Thank you!  I went to see the Neurosurgeon 5-18-2009.  I plan on getting second opinion.  He states that the tumor is not causing any symptoms.  He appears to be only interested in symptoms of paralysis.  I asked him to describe what symptoms I need to be watchful for.  He said, "I don't know."