Intramedullary astrocytoma is a very rare tumor that develops from astrocytes. Astrocytes are star-shaped support cells found within the spinal cord. These tumors can usually grow in your spinal cord, which may interfere with the nerves that are responsible for movement and sensation. This is why persistent numbness or difficulty in movement should not be ignored.
Symptoms and causes
Symptoms:
Continuous back or neck pain
Weakness in arms or legs
Numbness or reduced sensation
Difficulty in walking or coordination problems
Changes in bladder or bowel movements
The exact cause of this is still unknown to doctors most of the time. But some people may have an increased risk due to an inherited genetic condition like neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors may have to perform several tests and physical examinations to confirm the presence of a tumor in your body. They may start with a neurological examination to check your muscle strength and coordination to look for spinal cord involvement. If they see any signs of suspicion, then they may suggest an MRI to locate the tumor and assess its size. After this, a final biopsy is performed to confirm the presence and diagnosis. At the very end, a pathologist may grade your tumor based on how abnormal it is and how it might grow.
Treatment options
Treatment options for intramedullary astrocytoma can depend on the size of your tumor, its location, and your current health condition. Surgery might be the primary option, as doctors try to remove the tumor manually from your body. Along with this, they may also perform radiation therapy to kill the remaining cancer cells to avoid recurrence. Chemotherapy may be suggested if your cancer is much more aggressive and cannot be controlled by just surgery. In the end, physical therapy or rehabilitation may improve your strength and help with lasting neurological treatment.
Living with intramedullary astrocytoma
Living with an intramedullary astrocytoma means gradual recovery. You completed your treatment, but doctors still require regular follow-up visits and monitoring to detect any signs of tumor. This way, you can detect any suspicious changes and consult your doctor before it gets too late. At the same time, new therapies are coming up that might offer a promising future to doctors and patients. A study published by the National Library of Medicine in September 2022 talks about the new surgical approaches for intramedullary astrocytoma.
Holding onto the hope
While intramedullary astrocytoma is a rare diagnosis, emerging therapies are making the cure possible. By paying attention to your body and reporting the persistent symptoms to your doctors in time, you can save yourself a lot of time. This way, you can get the treatment you deserve without compromising the quality of your life.