syrinx , spinal tumor & slipped disc

[kat1000]

Last 2006 i had been operated at sacrococcygeal area with a dermoid cyst. After the operation i had an mri and the cyst did not reccur but there was a slipped disc at L5 S1 measuring 6x12x11 mm in AP which is causing me pain and numbness  at my right lower back going to my toes for 2 years now. Last 2007, my mri showed the same slipped disc. last nov 2008 i experienced more pain at my back that extend from my right lower back going up to my neck , my arms ,my fingers and even going in my chest. Then an mri showed a small enhancing lession at the middle of my slipped disc. And a mri of my thoracic spine showed a small syrinx from T4-5 down to t8-9. i also have a small lump on both my underarm for 2 months now which is not painful and does not move. It is sticked under my skin.  And the past days ive been really feeling tired and my back pain goes on and off. My doctor told me not to worry with the syrinx because it is congenital. Do you think i really should not be worried? i am very afraid. Do you think there is a possibility that i have cancer cells starting to destruct little by little my systems? Im really afraid. Pls help

[selmaS]

Hi....please look into the American Syringomyelis Alliance Project.
A syrinx is syringomyelia.....and if there was nothing to do with it it would not be around for 20 yrs.

I know a little about this because I have chiari and it is a related condition to a syrinx.

Chiari is congenital too.....and I agree a syrinx can be there un noticed with no symptoms...but the slightess bump, fall ect can trigger it to grow...some grow slowly and some grow quickly.U need a dr that specializes in this.

I do not have a clue who...with where u live it is out of my area.But I am sure u can find one, u may need to travel tho.
( stop by the chiari/syringomyelia forum here on MedHelp)
Good luck
"selma"

[kat1000]

Hi .. Just an update..

I'd been to my doctor a while ago and he said that my syrinx is congenital and it is not recommendable to drain it nor to do surgery. And that everything is alright and i should not worry. For the slipped disc, i will start my therapy next week to decrease the pain. And for the mass/tumor, I would have to repeat my MRI on May to see if there will be increase in size. So it seems to be no problem at all and that i should not worry. But i am still worried i still feel that there is something wrong. I don't know what to do and who could help me make sure that there is really no problem..

[selmaS]

Only a chiari/syringomyelia specialist can tell u wether or not ur syrnx is causing an issue ....it depends on size and location.If it is inpigning on the spinal cord.

Even a  chiari 0 can be symptomatic....I was told my chiari was where it should be for a person my age....no one should have their brain sagging onto their spinal column.A CSF blockage and symptoms will indicate need for surgery.

kaacruz- here is someone that also has a syrinx.....

looking forward to seeing u in the chiari syringomyelia forum.

"selma"

[ellijaygal]

At what point does is a small syrinx considered dangerous? Mine a year ago was from C6-C7 measuring 1.4cm and dimension 1mm AP and transverse. Newest MRI shows it extends C4 through C7 but doesn't give measurements.  

My brain MRI shows my cerebellar tonsils are 5mm below where they should be.

My doctor says that the 5mm is no big deal nor is the syrinx.

[kat1000]

Hi Doctor. Thanks so much for responding. My doctor is an Orthopedic Spine specialist and he referred me to one of his colleague which is a Neurosurgeon and he told me that the pain is not due to the syrinx because it is so small to cause me pain. do you think i should relay to what he said? How about the Tumor? Should i get scared that it might be cancer or a cancer that came from other part of my body? My MRI last Nov 2008 showed the tumor but it is very small. But i have read some articles on the web that there are some Malignant tumors that are small in size although most Malignant tumors are really big. I am really getting paranoid, thinking of the lump in my underarm and the symptoms i am feeling..

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for posting.

It is very likely that the pain that you are experiencing in your arms, neck, hands and chest is due to the syrinx that you have in the spinal cord. Surgery is the only viable treatment option for syringomyelia and neurosurgeon is the only one qualified to do it.
Please do not worry on account of tumor as that does not seem to be the possibility as of now.
I would suggest you to seek a second opinion with a neurologist or a neurosurgeon.

Keep us posted!

[kat1000]

Hi,, Thanks for the informations. I will check on the chiari/syringomyelia forum in a while. I am so afraid that this might be something really serious. This is my first time to join forums like this and i know this will help . Although I've been searching and browsing the net for 3 months now looking for informations regarding my condition, i still get confused. I will have my next check up on Feb 3. I hope things will soon get better.

By the way, Do you know anyone in here who have the similar condition as mine?

Thanks so much & Regards

[selmaS]

Hi....u have alot going on.I would like to suggest u stop by the chiari/syringomyelia forum here on MedHelp.
A syrinx is also called syringomyelia.....and a chiari specialist is whom u need to disscus this with.ne NS will tell u not to worry, but a specialist can give u more insight as to what u need to do.Syrinx's have been known to grow larger.

As for ur lump under ur arm...I am at a loss.....not being a dr I can not help u there.

A syrinx will develope because of a congential condition called chiari or it can be aquired as a result of an accident or injury......and a fall can trigger it to grow.

The American Syringomyelia Alliance Project has helped raise money for research for 20 yrs...they are a great place for info.

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"