Spinal Tumors: Understanding and Care
Tumors, which are abnormal and excessive growths, can develop within the spine. These tumors may originate from various sources such as nerves, bones, or surrounding soft tissues like muscles. When tumors originate within the spine itself, they are referred to as primary tumors. However, spinal tumors more commonly occur due to the spread of tumors from nearby or distant structures, and these are known as secondary or metastatic tumors.
Primary Tumors
There are several types of primary spinal tumors, which can be categorized based on their origin. Bony tumors (Extradural) include Haemangioma, Osteochondroma, Osteoblastoma, Osteoid Osteoma, Aneurysmal Bone Cyst, Giant Cell Tumor, Chordoma, Osteosarcoma, and Ewing Sarcoma. Nerve-related tumors (Intradural – Extra/Intramedullary) encompass Neurofibroma, Schwannoma, Glioma, Ependymoma, Meningioma, Glioblastoma, Hemangioblastoma, and more.
Secondary/Metastatic Tumors
Spinal tumors can also result from the spread of tumors that originated elsewhere in the body. These can include multiple myeloma, plasmacytoma, lymphoma, breast carcinoma, lung carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, prostatic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and others.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal tumors vary depending on the type and location. They may include chronic neck or back pain, unexplained weight loss, difficulty walking, numbness, urinary disturbances, and other symptoms related to the tumor’s site of origin.
Management & Treatment
Diagnosing and treating spinal tumors involves a range of medical assessments. These can include blood tests like CBC, ESR, CRP, RFT, CEA, CA-125, M protein, and Bence-Jones protein, as well as imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans of the spine, abdominal ultrasound, CT of the abdomen, and whole-body PET scans. These investigations are essential for evaluating the tumors, guiding treatment decisions, and determining the prognosis.
Treatment for spinal tumors may encompass surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, neoadjuvant therapy, and monoclonal antibody therapy, depending on the specific type of tumor and its characteristics.
Why Dr. Ramachandran
Dr. Ramachandran recognizes that managing spinal tumors is a complex endeavor that requires a collaborative approach. He assembles a dedicated tumor board, which includes a team of medical professionals such as spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, interventional musculoskeletal radiologists, medical oncologists, reconstructive plastic surgeons, radiation therapists, and spine tumor pathologists. Dr. Ramachandran coordinates this multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for patients, including surgical intervention when necessary. This collaborative approach ensures the best possible care for individuals facing spinal tumors.