Four operations within one month were performed for women who suffered from tumors

An unusual medical coincidence at Shaare Zedek Medical Center: Four women aged 60-70 were diagnosed in a short time with a meningioma – a tumor in the spine – and underwent surgery to remove it. This is not the first time that hospital experts come across such cases, but the accumulation of four cases in such a short period of time is considered rare.

“A meningioma is a benign tumor that grows inside the membranes of the spine,” explains Dr. Gustavo Reyes, a senior neurosurgeon at the hospital. “However, when it presses on the spinal cord and nerves, it can cause circumcision, weakness, walking disorders, impaired control of sphincters and even paralysis.”

Three of the operated women suffered from a tumor in the back area, a condition that leads to damage to the lower limbs and to urination and feces. One of them was diagnosed with a tumor in the cervical spine, which affected all four limbs. In most cases, the removal of the tumor led to a significant improvement in function immediately after surgery. “If not treated, the condition progresses to paralysis,” emphasizes Dr. Rais. “There is no other option but surgery. The risks exist, but they are low, and most of the patients improve significantly.”

One of the women who was operated on was Gila, 60. She underwent the procedure after a prolonged period of impairment in daily functioning. “For months I suffered from circumcision in my legs and I also fell occasionally,” she says. “I took one step every three hours. The circumcision got worse until I no longer felt sensation in my left leg.” According to her, the diagnosis came only after an MRI was performed at Shaare Zedek led by neurologist Dr. Mordechai Lin, and it revealed a large meningioma the size of a tennis ball. “The tumor was surgically removed, and that day I was able to move my left leg again.”

“When you find out late, the chance of recovery decreases, so it is important to increase awareness”

According to Dr. Reise, who performed the four surgeries, this is an extremely rare coincidence: “Throughout all my years of work, I have never seen such a number in such a short period of time. Each of the women arrived for a different reason and at a different stage, meaning there is no environmental reason here.” According to him, two women arrived at an early stage, while two others arrived in an advanced state that included almost complete paralysis of the lower limbs. “When you find out late, the chance of recovery decreases, so it is important to increase awareness – people sometimes walk around for months or years with walking disorders, weakness and heaviness before they get a diagnosis, and it’s a shame.”

Dr. Gustavo also emphasizes that meningioma in the spine is especially common among older women, who are sometimes less exposed to medical information, and therefore, as mentioned – early detection is important in order to provide optimal treatment. Warning flags that require a visit to the doctor include, according to him: prolonged back pain, pain radiating to the limbs, decreased strength, impaired walking and urinary or stool disorders. “In two of the four cases that occurred this month, the late diagnosis significantly harmed the patients’ quality of life, which emphasizes the need for greater awareness of these neurological symptoms.”

He emphasizes that if you feel such neurological symptoms, it is important to consult a specialist and perform relevant imaging tests.