Tumors of the spinal cord are considered the most dangerous among other neurological diseases and require timely diagnosis and quality therapy. The most effective treatment is surgery to remove a spinal cord tumor.

 

Read the article:
Diagnosis of spinal cord tumors
Treatment of spinal cord tumors
Innovative treatment of spinal cord tumors
Prognosis and effects after spinal cord surgery
Rehabilitation

 
 

Best clinics for operations For Spinal Cord Tumor

Tumors of the spinal cord are: intramedullary (located inside the spinal cord, affecting the gray matter), extramedullary (located outside the spinal cord).

 
 

Surgery to remove tumors of the spinal cord, especially intramedullary ones, is dangerous because of the risk of developing postoperative complications. However, modern methods of spinal cord tumor surgery, which scientists all over the world are working on, have made the treatment of the disease safer and more effective.

 
 

The operation requires special neuro microscopes,neuro navigation equipment, imaging devices, endoscopic equipment and neurosurgical instruments. To work with this technique requires specialists with vast knowledge and experience. Clinics presented in our catalog meet the quality standards and have the most modern equipment and highly qualified doctors.

 
 

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PREPARATION FOR THE SURGERY OF SPINAL CORD TUMOR

The principles and results of treatment of spinal cord tumors depend on the stage of the disease, the type, location and size of the pathology. Diagnostics should be as accurate as possible. To do this, use the following methods for diagnosing spinal tumors:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Considered the most accurate and safe diagnostic methods. By using them, one can examine the spinal cord, its pathways and liquor dynamics, determine the size and location of the neoplasms in detail.
  • Analyzes of cerebrospinal fluid. This method allows to determine the presence of a tumor with changes in the protein composition in the cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Spinal angiography. Allows you to determine the state of the vascular system of the spine.
  • Myelography. With this x-ray examination a contrast agent is used to identify the location of the tumor in the spinal cord. Isotopic and pneumo myelography are considered obsolete methods, uninformative and quite dangerous, so many clinics have abandoned them.

OPERATION FOR REMOVAL OF THE SPINAL CORD TUMOR

The most effective method of treating a spinal cord tumor is surgical. Most often, surgical removal is indicated for extramedullary benign types of tumors and in most cases (about 70%) has a favorable prognosis.

 

Surgical removal of an intramedullary spinal cord tumor is difficult, as there is a high risk of damage to the spinal substance. Such operations are carried out only with tumors with a clear limitations and pronounced boundaries with the spinal cord. Partial removal of the tumor, decompression of the spinal cord, or emptying of the tumor cyst to alleviate the condition of the patient are also possible. In some types of intramedullary tumors, radiation therapy is ineffective or contraindicated due to the high risk of damage to the spinal cord.

 

After removal of the neoplasm, according to the results of the histology, the patient is prescribed radiation or chemotherapy. Also, a course of radiotherapy can be prescribed before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor.

 

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INNOVATIVE METHODS FOR REMOVAL OF SPINAL CORD NEOPLASMS

CYBER-KNIFE

The use of the radiosurgical method in the treatment of spinal cord tumors significantly improves results, reduces the risk of complications and shortens the recovery period. The method is unique in a sense that it does not require surgery. It is suitable even in cases when the tumor is located in hard to reach areas.

 

Cyberknife is the radiosurgical method of the new generation. Thanks to its use, it is possible to completely remove the pathological formations without harming healthy tissues. To get rid of the tumor requires only 1-3 sessions. The procedure does not require anesthesia and hospitalization, it is conducted without pain and complications and suitable for the treatment of children.

 

The principle of action of the Cyber-knife is that it is directed onto tumor destroying the pathological cells without affecting healthy ones. Cyberknife comparing to Gamma-knife is more convenient. During the procedure, the patient is free to lie down and change the position of the body. This system is fully automated and independently responds to the slightest movement, determines the location of the tumor and redirects the radiation in the right direction.

RADIATION THERAPY

Radiation therapy using a modern linear accelerator with the IMRT function has also been successfully applied in the treatment of spinal cord tumors. This is a non-invasive procedure in which neoplasms are irradiated with ionizing radiation. Healthy tissue is not affected.

MICROSURGERY

The use of microsurgery is applicable in cases where the tumor is located in easily accessible places, and in cases when an extensive surgical operation is unacceptable for the health of the patient.

 

Microsurgery is a minimally invasive method for removing a tumor using microtools. The procedure takes place under general anesthesia, while vital signs are monitored using monitors.

 

For microsurgical techniques, special equipment is used: electronic neuromicroscopes and neuronavigators. During the operation, these tools make it possible to determine the size of the tumor, its borders, distinguish the nerve endings and to perform manipulations with instruments with maximum accuracy. This method virtually eliminates postoperative neurological complications, patients maintain motor and sensory functions.

 

During a microsurgical operation, doctors use a laser to layer out a tumor and stop the bleeding, as well as an ultrasonic aspirator to remove the microscopic residues of the tumor.

PROGNOSIS OF SPINAL BRAIN TUMORS

The results of treatment, chances of recurrence and further predictions depend on the type of tumor, its structure, location and duration of the disease. With timely removal of benign extramedullary tumors, the probability of complete recovery and the return of neurological functions to normal is 70%.

 

If the tumor has developed more than a year, with prolonged spinal compression, most often it is impossible to fully restore the motor and sensory functions of the spine. With malignant tumors, especially in the upper spine, prognosis for recovery is unfavorable.

 

Consequences of spinal cord tumor removal (code ICB-10 – C72 and D33.4):

  • Common complications (reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, thrombosis and thromboembolism, infections).
  • Neurological complications (due to injury of the nerves or the spinal cord may decrease the sensitivity of body parts or limbs, pain, numbness, weakness, paralysis).
  • Respiratory failure.
  • Hemodynamic disorders.

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REHABILITATION AFTER REMOVAL OF SPINAL CORD TUMOR

Treatment of a spinal cord tumor

To return the patient to a normal physical and psycho-emotional state after undergoing operations on the spine, rehabilitation therapy is required. Sometimes the patient feels a significant or complete disappearance of pain, the return of normal motor and sensory functions short time after surgery for spinal cord tumor. However, even in such cases, it is recommended to undergo a rehabilitation course.

 

Rehabilitation after removal of a spinal cord tumor is a mandatory continuation of treatment in order to consolidate the result and prevent the development of complications. The purpose of the initial stages of recovery is to eliminate pain, discomfort and numbness. There is work applied on the muscles. The patient is helped to re-learn how to perform basic household functions and move with the help of devices. Then work is performed to correct the asymmetry of the pelvic axis or the upper and lower back. The skills of self-service and domestic functions are expanded, the muscles and the musculoskeletal system are strengthened. At the final stages they try to fully restore all motor functions.

 

Methods of rehabilitation therapy and its success depend on the complexity of the disease, the duration of the operation, the existing complications and problems. Rehabilitation can last 1-12 months. The program of rehabilitation measures includes: medications, physiotherapy, massage, mechanical unloading of the spine, physical therapy, manual therapy and acupuncture, rehabilitation in specialized sanatoriums.

 

A compulsory change after the treatment of spinal cord tumors is a healthy lifestyle, limiting weight lifting, avoiding hypothermia. In addition, you should try to keep the weight normal.

 

Where to go with a spinal cord tumor:

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