Appointments:
Please call
203-409-7240
| |
Neck Pain
Tumors
Tumors of the spine and spinal cord are
relatively uncommon. The most common initial symptom that patients with a spinal tumor
have is pain. Because neck pain, and pain caused by a cervical (neck) disorder is very
common, it is also not a specific symptom of any one disease or medical condition. Spinal
cord tumors can be either primary (originating in the spinal cord) or secondary
(metastases of cancer that originated elsewhere in the body). Therefore, the challenge is
to determine how to evaluate neck pain with the goal of specifically excluding a tumor as
the cause of the pain. Luckily, most neck pain is not due to a tumor. However, if a cancer
were discovered after a long period of "conservative" management of neck pain,
most patients would feel that their problem should have been investigated more thoroughly
in the beginning.
Benign Tumors
Doctors use the term "benign" to indicate that a particular tumor is unlikely to
spread to others parts of the body. Benign tumors can still be a significant problem
however, depending upon their location, size, adjacent structures, blood supply, and other
factors. Fortunately, most benign tumors can be treated successfully.
Malignant Lesions
Doctors use the term "malignant" to indicate that a particular tumor or a cancer
often spreads to other parts of the body, and can be difficult to cure or treat. This is
very different from "benign" cancers, which are much less likely to spread, are
easier to treat and control.
Dr. Debra Petrucci
Please call for an appointment (203) 409-7240.
Insurance Plans Accepted,
Medicare, Workman's Compensation NY, NY No Fault
Patients should check with their insurance plan for out of network plan
benefits. |