Bulging Discs in Lumbar Spine

Bulging Discs

Bulging discs are very common and usually dont have symptoms until they become serious. A bulging disc is when the nucleus pulpus remains enclosed in the annulus pulposus. It is not very serious at this stage. Bulging is usually caused by spinal spurs pushing out on the disc and collapsed space between the vertebrae. A bulging disc only becomes a problem when the disc bulges out and presses up against nerves of the spine causing pain.

Symptoms of bulging discs depend on where the bulge takes place. The patient could have pain in the arms , legs, feet, and any region where the nerve is controlling. Bulging discs can also rupture which means that the jelly like substance which is the nucleus pulpus can leak out from the disc space causing pain and pressure.

A MRI or a CT is performed to help diagnose a Bulging disc in the spine. A MRI would be the selected choice for the lower back though. Treatment for this type of disorder is usually conservative treatment at first dealing with epidural steroid injections and physical therapy so that the body can absorb the disc herination. If relief is not achieved then surgery will then be suggested, for the herniation.

Carotid Body Tumor

Carotid Body Tumor

The two carotid arteries supply blood to the front part of the brain. The frontal lobe of the brain where thinking, speech, personality, sensory and motor function are at in the brain. If theses areas cannot recieve enough blood supply this can become an issue. One of the reasons for lack of blood supply can be a Carotid Body Tumor.


What is a Carotid Body Tumor?

These tumors are also called a Chemodectoma or a paraganlioma. These tumor can be small or big. They are found ni the upper neck usually at the branching of the carotid artery. These tumors are abormalites or masses in the artery that coming out of the wall that can restrict blood flow to the brain.

Symptoms of Carotid body tumor?

There are usually not many symptoms of these tumor. They are usually discovered by a non tender neck mass, dyspahia symptoms, and hoarsness of the voice. These tumors are usually begnin but can be malignant and if not remove they can metastisize to other areas of the body. Not to mention obstructing blood flow to the brain. A vascular surgeon is usually consulted for some sort of treatment.



What is Recommended to do about a Carotid Body Tumor?

There are many forms of treatment for this type of tumor depending on what type of tumor it is. The vascular surgeon can do a transcatheter emoblization and surguca removal or resection of the tumor. Most of the treatment for these types of tumors is safe and the outcomes are usually very successful. There can be risks with the surgery just like any other surgery dealing with stroke and the nerve damage or dysfunction of a nerve if it is close to the area of interset. The benefits greatly outweigh the benefits and are worth the removal of the tumor. In some cases Radiation therapy may be needed or accompany the removal of the tumor if it is malignant.

Carcinoma of the Tongue

What is Tongue Cancer?

The tongue is generally used for swallowing, taste, chewing, and cleaning of the oral cavity.Tongue cancer is also known as, “squamous cell cancer of the tongue.” Up to 30% of patients with one primary head and neck tumor have second primary malignancies which are usually on the tongue or the lips of the oral cavity which is apart of the soft tissue neck. Crazy enough, 3% of these malignancies arise within the oral cavity. Tongue cancer is more common of all the forms of oral cavity cancers. Most of these cancers are uncommon before the age of 40.

Factors of tongue carcinoma

Cancers of the head, neck, and tongue are strongly associated with alcohol, tobacco smoking, and tobacco chewing. Tobacco use has been linked to about 80% of all squamous carcinoma cases of the tongue, head, and neck. Smokers are 25 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. Although if a patient were to quit smoking and chewing there chances of getting carcinoma will decrease gradually. Places where the betel nut is chewed have high incidence of cancers of the tongue and mouth. Cancer of the lips is also more prevalent with excessive sun exposure.
Tumors can look like sores on the tongue or big massive irregular tissue on the tongue. These tumors spread by local extension and through the destruction of different tissues such as: lymph nodes, cervical soft tissue, and oral cavity tissues.

How to Diagnosis Tongue Cancer?

Early diagnosis is the key to recovering and not dealing with great loss and side effects of this deadly disease. The earlier the tumor is found the more likely it can be removed and treatment can restore full function and normality. The longer a patient waits to seek treatment of tongue cancer the more likely it is for the cancer to be metastatic. Most tumors are usually found on the base of the tongue. These are the worst tumors to find because they are diagnosed at later stages usually on the tongue, which in turn means they are more likely to be deadly or have a not so good outcome which could involve losing parts of the tongue. Other than visibly looking at the tongue and any abnormalities on the tongue, it is important for other tests to be conducted. Another way for diagnosis is by running tests on blood and enzyme levels of the body. Abnormal liver function tests can also help verify cancer. Although in early investigations of tongue cancer some tests can come back normal.

Symptoms of Tongue Cancer

1.Red and white patches on the tongue, gums, and the lining of the mouth

2.Difficulty or pain in chewing or swallowing

3.Abnormal painful lump or bump on the tongue

4.Sore throat that does not go away

5.Pain in the ear

6.Change of voice

7.Unusual bleeding

8.Numbness in the mouth

How to treat carcinoma of the tongue

After the cancer has been diagnosed and staged for the patient then a proper treatment plan can be executed. Most lesions care biopsied, and then treated depending on how far along the cancer is. Most likely localized lesions that have not spread go through curative surgery to remove the lesions and/or radiation. Large lesions that can compromise speech and the ability to talk are usually treated with radiotherapy. All other advanced cases of this cancer that has or potentially spread are aggressively treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If the cancer is diagnosed early the survival rate is extremely high.

Basically to prevent yourself from having tongue cancer you must reduce your risk factors… so you should quit smoking ( JUSTIN)… not chew tobacco, and not excessively drink because these habits all factor in to oral cancer in the mouth.