Some types of spinal tumors are treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy, which delivers high doses of radiation to the affected area in less than four sessions. Radiation therapy is not usually recommended for children younger than three years of age, due to its risk of growth problems. Patients who are affected by spinal tumors often need to undergo periodic imaging tests.
Surgery for cancer near the spinal cord can be performed on tumors that are not inaccessible with other treatment methods. While some tumors in the spine can be removed through surgery, it is important to note that the procedure can cause damage to other important structures in the spine. Therefore, surgery may not be the best option for some patients. Adjuvant therapy, which shrinks the primary tumor, may be used to treat secondary spinal tumors.
Inflammatory and immune-mediated tumors, also known as intramedullary tumors, develop in the spinal cord’s protective covering, called the dural sheath. These tumors may compress spinal fluid or nerve roots. Another type of cancer near the spine is called a nerve plexus tumor, which grows next to it in the nerve plexus. Neurofibromas and ganglioneuromas are common tumors in this region.
The type of treatment used for cancer near the spine depends on the location and extent of metastasis. Cancer that affects both the anterior and posterior vertebral columns is difficult to resect completely. As such, the posterior and anterior approaches are often used to treat these complex lesions. Patients with cancer near the spine should undergo a full examination by a medical professional to determine whether treatment is the best option. These methods are also used in cancer patients who develop multiple contiguous vertebral levels.
There are two types of tumors that can develop in the spine. One type is primary and the other is secondary. Primary spine tumors are rare and account for less than 5% of all bone neoplasms. Primary spine tumors occur in fewer than two patients per million people. However, spine tumors are also common as metastases from other parts of the body. While cancer that moves to the spine is not deadly, the tumor can compress the spinal nerves and lead to weakness and paralysis. Treatment for cancer near the spine is focused on preserving quality of life and minimizing pain.
Surgery for cancer near the spine requires extensive diagnostic testing. During a surgery, doctors often use computer-guided navigation equipment to guide the surgical process. This tool gives doctors an exact three-dimensional map of the brain and spine. The MRI is the gold standard for detecting brain tumors because of its greater anatomic detail. It also provides important information about blood flow and the density of tumor cells. It is not uncommon for a patient to experience seizures during surgery.
