A perineural cyst is a benign formation that looks very much like a sac filled with fluid. Sometimes there are cysts filled with blood. The main place of their appearance is the spine.
Causes of disease
Perineural vertebral cyst can appear for several reasons.
These include:
- Hemorrhages.
- Back injury and damage.
- Great load on the spine.
- Inflammatory processes in soft tissues.
- Congenital tissue disorder in the fetus.
They are most often found in the sacral and lumbar spine. The vertebrae of the lower back are designated - L, and the vertebrae of the sacrum - S. The number next to the letter indicates the number of the vertebral unit of this department. For example, a perineural cyst at the level of S3 indicates that it is located near the third vertebra in the sacral spine. It can be determined using CT. If the doctor says that there is an S2 perineural cyst, then this indicates that the neoplasm is located near the second vertebra of the lumbar spine.
Disease symptoms
Perineural cyst does not manifest itself onearly stages of development. Symptoms can only be noticed when the disease begins to progress.
The disease can be noticed by the following symptoms:
- Neurological disorders appear.
- There are painful sensations in the area of the cyst.
- There is a traffic restriction.
- The vestibular apparatus malfunctions (balance is lost).
- The spine begins to deform.
- Headaches and dizziness appear.
- In rare cases, the work of the small pelvis may be disrupted.
- Possible lameness.
- Sensitivity is disturbed in some parts of the spine.
- Peeling sensation (paresthesia) often occurs.
If you experience the symptoms described above, you should immediately consult a doctor. Sometimes perineural cysts can cause very serious diseases that are difficult to treat.
Features of the disease
Perineural cyst has its own characteristics of development. In most cases, its appearance depends on congenital human diseases that are associated with the functions of the vertebral section. With them, spinal nerves can be squeezed and cause very severe pain. The etiology of the disease shows that the main reasons for the development of cysts in the lumbar and sacral region are injuries and inflammatory processes. When the size of the neoplasm becomes more than 2 centimeters, then it begins to press on the rootspinal cord, thereby causing the following manifestations:
- Pain that radiates to the buttocks when walking.
- Discomfort and pain in the abdomen.
- Headaches.
- Feet begin to tingle.
- Violation of the intestinal tract.
- Feeling weak in legs.
Diagnosis of disease
When contacting a doctor, you need to tell him the complaints and the reasons for your visit. After he listens to you and conducts an initial examination, the doctor will begin the examination. It is usually carried out using instrumental methods. They are used because x-rays are not able to recognize such a cyst. Computed diagnostics (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identify cysts and neoplasms. These methods are considered the most informative.
If a person has several cysts, then differential diagnosis is necessary. It will help to find out the causes of the appearance of certain neoplasms. Doctors must check the patient for signs of Bechterew's syndrome and Parkinson's disease. During the determination, they use electroneuromyography, it allows you to determine the presence or absence of damage to the spinal root. Failures in his work is the cause of pain. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to determine the disease in time, most often this happens at a later date.
Also often used to detect the disease is an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) and analysis to detect cancer cells(biopsy). They will help prevent the formation of malignant tumors. If they are found, immediate surgery will be required.
Therapy
Treatment of perineural cysts is carried out in several ways.
These include:
- Medication method.
- Surgical method.
The choice of treatment depends on the size of the cyst. If it does not exceed 2 centimeters, then conservative treatment with medications is used.
Drug Therapy
This method is very similar to the treatment of osteochondrosis. Anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy procedures are used. If tumors are detected, treatment with physiotherapy is strictly prohibited. Therefore, before treatment, it is necessary to undergo all the examinations prescribed by the doctor. While taking medicines, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor, and it is also not recommended to interrupt therapy without the permission of the doctor.
Surgical Therapy
The operation is performed only if the cyst is over 2 centimeters in size, when it provokes the appearance of disturbances in the functioning of internal organs. The essence of the treatment is that all the contents are pumped out of the cyst with a special device, and then a special liquid is pumped into it, which sticks together its walls. This prevents the cyst from recurring and filling.
However, holdingoperations involve certain risks.
These include:
- Violation of the integrity and functioning of the spinal cord.
- Adhesions may appear.
- Possible development of postoperative meningitis.
Also, in rare cases, a new perineural cyst may form, which will be located next to the removed one. To avoid this, it is necessary to undergo treatment after the operation. It will be carried out when you are in a medical institution under the supervision of a doctor. In rare cases, it is allowed to continue at home under the supervision of a specialist from the clinic.
A perineural cyst on the spine in the lumbar or sacral region gives a person pain and discomfort. It also disrupts some of the body's functions. For example, if the cyst compresses the nerves near the spine, sensation may disappear. If you find symptoms and manifestations of the disease, you should immediately contact a specialist for help. The doctor will conduct all examinations and establish a diagnosis, after which he will prescribe treatment. Self-medication is prohibited and dangerous!
