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Best Spine Care Hospital in Broadway

Surgery for Spinal Tumors

Best Spine Care Hospital in Broadway

Spinal tumours are abnormal masses of cells present within the spine or surrounding the spinal column. They are a predominant cause of developing back pain and other spine-related symptoms. Most of these spinal tumours originate in the spinal cord and metastasise into the visceral organs. The tumours are common in older individuals, compromising the spinal canal and resulting in instability. There are various types of spinal tumour treatment, depending on the extent and location of the disease.

The most common surgical treatments for spinal tumours are:

  • Decompression: Relieves pressure on the spinal nerve and creates enough space for high-dose radiation without causing risk to the spinal cord

  • Vertebroplasty: A small incision is made to insert bone cement into a fractured vertebra to fill empty spaces and act as a cast to stabilise the bone

  • Kyphoplasty: Similar to the Vertebroplasty procedure, additionally a balloon is inserted into the bone and inflated to create a cavity

  • Spinal Stabilisation: For metastatic spine tumours, spinal stabilisation procedures are performed to preserve mechanical and neurologic function to preserve the quality of life

  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery: A minimally invasive surgery to treat spinal tumours

  • En Bloc Resection: The tumour is removed as a single piece from the bone of the spine

  • Metastatic Spine Tumour Surgery: The tumour is removed from the spine or from other organs where it has spread

FAQ's

Spinal tumours are categorised as follows:

  • Based on the location of the tumour along the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacrum)

  • Based on the tumour location within the spinal column (intra-dural extramedullary tumour, intramedullary tumour, and extradural tumour)

  • If the tumour originates in the spine (primary spinal tumour) and if it metastasises (secondary spinal tumour)

  • If the tumour is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous)

Spinal tumours cause a multitude of symptoms that need to be carefully identified with several diagnostic tests.

Common symptoms of spinal tumours are:

  • Pain in or near the spine, often radiating to other parts of the body or worsening at night

  • Numbness, tingling sensation, or weakness affecting one or both limbs

  • Difficulty walking often leads to falls

  • Experiencing decreased pain, heat, or cold sensitivity

  • Problems in controlling bladder, bowel, or sexual function

  • Muscle twitches or spasms

  • Stiff back or neck

  • Scoliosis, resulting from a large tumour

  • Paralysis

A small percentage of primary spinal tumours are benign. Metastatic spinal tumours are malignant and spread to the spinal cord from prostate, breast, and lung cancers. A spinal tumour localised to the spinal column often progresses slowly over an extended period. If the tumour has originated from other body parts and spread to the spine, it may progress more quickly.

The adrenal glands that control stress and blood levels do not produce steroids at night to counteract the inflammation the spinal tumours create. Additionally, since the tumours form in close proximity to the nerve, they may interrupt the nerve transmission from the body to the brain. As a result, spinal tumour pain worsens at night.

A confirmed diagnosis is possible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a biopsy. The scan reveals if there is any pressure on the spinal cord or nerves due to a tumour or lump. It also helps with treatment planning by locating the exact site of the tumour. A biopsy may be taken to determine if the tumour is benign or malignant.

Additionally, bone scans and blood tests may be ordered to aid with the diagnosis. Blood tests are rarely used for diagnosing malignant spinal tumours, but they may be employed to check the functioning of the patient's kidney, liver, and surrounding organs.

Treatment for spinal tumours depends on the location, type, and size of the tumour. The goal of the treatment is to relieve pain, improve the function of the spine and spinal nerves, and improve the quality of life. While a benign spinal tumour is managed with long-term monitoring or a complete En Bloc Resection, a metastatic spinal tumour is managed with Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Surgical Intervention.

The total duration of spinal tumour surgery depends on the complexity of the tumour and the effect it has on the surrounding tissues. Most surgeries take about one to 10 hours to complete. As the surgery length varies in each case, it is best to consult your neurosurgeon for an accurate estimate.

  • Pain Killers: Morphine-based pain-killers may be used to control severe back pain

  • Physical Therapy: Weakness in the limbs can be overcome by physiotherapy, which helps overcome pain and enhance power, coordination, and balance

  • Occupation Therapy: Alterations in the home or work environment help ensure ease of access

  • Bladder and Bowel Management: A urinary catheter may help establish bladder control and prevent leakage. Bowel training may be needed for some patients to ensure regular motions

Unfortunately, primary spinal tumours cannot be prevented. However, if an individual has a family history of the disease, they must undergo genetic counselling or testing to see if they have the condition. The best way to prevent a secondary malignant spinal tumour is to receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy if the individual has received a local cancer diagnosis.

The outlook for an individual with spinal tumours depends greatly on the age and health status of the individual or the type of tumour. However, early diagnosis and treatment of spinal tumours can result in improved treatment outcomes.

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