Surgery for Tumors of Spine

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Surgery for Tumors of the Spine

Comprehensive Care for Spinal Tumors

When you have surgery for tumours of the spine, they must be removed or treated. The surgery takes place on or near the spinal cord. These growths may be harmless or cancerous, and they might cause pain, weakness, or nerve compression. A laminectomy, spinal fusion, or tumour removal are some of the surgeries that are often used to get rid of as much of the tumour as possible while keeping the spine working. What method is used relies on how big the tumour is, where it is, and how it affects the spinal cord or nerves. Recovery from surgery may include therapy to get back to normal function and deal with any problems that come up.

Types of Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumours can be broken down into different types based on where they are located, where they come from, and whether they are cancerous or not. These are the main kinds of spinal tumours:

  • Intramedullary Tumors: Develop inside the spinal cord, such as ependymomas or astrocytomas.
  • Intradural-Extramedullary Tumors: Located outside the spinal cord but within the protective covering (dura), including meningiomas or schwannomas.
  • Extradural Tumors: Found outside the dura, often in the vertebrae, including metastatic tumors.
  • Benign Spinal Tumors: These growths aren’t dangerous and tend to get bigger slowly. They can cause symptoms by putting pressure on nearby structures, but after treatment, they usually have a good outlook.
  • Malignant Spinal Tumors: These growths are dangerous and could spread to other body parts. They need more intensive care and have a more variable outlook.

When is Surgery Recommended?

Surgery is considered in the following scenarios:

  • Neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, or paralysis due to spinal cord or nerve compression.
  • Severe, persistent pain not relieved by conservative treatments.
  • Evidence of spinal instability or risk of fracture.
  • Diagnosis of a malignant tumor requiring tissue removal for pathology.

Goals of Surgery for Spinal Tumors

  • Remove or reduce the tumor to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Stabilize the spine to prevent fractures or deformities.
  • Preserve neurological function and improve quality of life.

Types of Surgical Procedures

Tumor Resection

  • Total Resection: Complete removal of the tumor, often possible for benign tumors.
  • Debulking: Partial removal to reduce the tumor size when complete resection is not feasible.

Spinal Stabilization

  • Performed after tumor removal to restore spinal strength and alignment using rods, screws, or bone grafts.

Minimally Invasive Techniques

  • For certain tumors, minimally invasive procedures reduce tissue damage and promote faster recovery.

What to Expect During Surgery

  1. Pre-Surgical Assessment: Imaging studies (MRI, CT scans) and biopsies are used to evaluate the tumor’s size, type, and location.
  2. Procedure: The surgical approach depends on the tumor’s location and nature, with care taken to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.
  3. Post-Surgical Care: Patients are monitored for complications and begin rehabilitation as needed.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery after spinal tumor surgery depends on factors such as the tumor’s type, location, and extent of resection. Rehabilitation may include:

  • Physical Therapy: To restore mobility, strength, and coordination.
  • Pain Management: Medications or nerve blocks to alleviate post-operative discomfort.
  • Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups and imaging to monitor for tumor recurrence.

Why Choose Surgical Intervention?

  • Relieve Symptoms: Address pain and neurological deficits caused by tumor pressure.
  • Prevent Progression: Stabilize the spine and prevent further complications.
  • Improve Quality of Life: Enable patients to regain function and mobility.

Expert care and advanced surgical techniques can make a life-changing difference for patients with spinal tumors. Seek timely evaluation to begin your journey to recovery.

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Dr. B. Leela Prasad is one of the country’s most renowned orthopedic doctors, with over 15 years of experience in the field. After earning his medical degree from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, he pursued post-graduation in Orthopedics at Guntur Medical College.

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