The treatment for a spinal tumor typically depends on various factors such as the type, size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. The main goal of the treatment is to remove the tumor or control its growth while minimizing any potential damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
Treatment options for spinal tumors may include:
Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is the most common treatment, and a neurosurgeon is typically the specialist who performs the procedure. Depending on the location and type of tumor, the surgery may be done as a minimally invasive procedure or as open spinal surgery.
Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be an effective way to control the growth of the tumor and relieve symptoms without the need for surgery.
Chemotherapy: This uses drugs to kill cancer cells, and it may be used before or after surgery or in combination with radiation therapy.
Stereotactic radiosurgery: This is a non-invasive procedure that uses precisely focused radiation to treat the tumor.
The treatment plan may also include a combination of these approaches, and postoperative rehabilitation may also be necessary to help the patient recover and regain function. It is important to discuss all treatment options with a neurosurgeon to determine the best course of action for the specific spinal tumor and the individual patient.