Malignant and benign neoplasms in the spinal cord are much less common than in the brain. This is no more than 5% of all detected tumor formations. However, even benign tumors in the spine pose a serious risk due to compression of the nerves and the spinal cord itself. Such neoplasms should be treated immediately or surgically removed.
Clinics in Israel have implemented the most advanced protocols for the treatment of spinal cancer and benign neoplasms of the spinal cord. Thanks to this, the effectiveness of therapy reaches 87%.
Types of neoplasms in the spine
All tumors in the spinal cord are divided into primary and secondary, which appeared as a result of metastatic spread of other organs cancer. Primary neoplasms grow from spinal cells (intramedullary) or from surrounding vessels, nerve roots and membranes (extramedullary). Intramedullar tumors are most often gliomas. Extramedullar neoplasms of the spinal cord are significantly more common and there are more types of them:
- meningioma – a tumor of the spinal membranes;
- neurinoma and neurofibroma – neoplasms on the spinal cord roots;
- hemangioblastomas are profusely vascularized vascular tumors;
- lipomas (often in combination with a spina bifida).
The spinal cord can also be affected by spinal tumors: sarcoma, vertebral hemangioma, lymphogranulomatosis, and metastatic secondary neoplasms.
Symptoms of spinal cord tumors
Symptoms of spinal tumors depend on their location, size, and stage. The clinical picture may vary depending on the degree of compression of nerve channels, blood vessels and the spinal cord itself. Symptoms are manifested as pain, discomfort, and a functionality disorder of the part of the body or organs for which the compressed nerve or vessel is responsible.
One of the most common symptoms of spinal neoplasms is back pain that gets worse at night or in the morning. It often spreads to the legs and arms.
Diagnostics
- Physical examination. At this stage, the qualification and experience of the doctor is very important, since the symptoms of tumor neoplasms in the spinal cord can easily be confused with various diseases of the abdominal cavity, musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular system. Israeli doctors are considered to be among the most competent in the field of spinal neurosurgery and treatment of spinal tumors.
- Blood and urine laboratory tests.
- Digital X-ray examination.
- Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography (CT, MRI, and PET).
- Scintigraphy is a highly accurate and informative method for diagnosing neoplasms in the spine using safe radioactive isotopes.
- Spinal cord biopsy.
Treatment of spinal cord tumors in Israel
- Gentle chemotherapy with the latest generation of drugs with minimal side effects.
- Minimally invasive surgery, including with the help of a high-precision robot surgeon Da Vinci. This is the most common, highly effective and safest way to treat spinal cord tumors, which is practiced in clinics in Israel. In the process of low-trauma surgery, not only the tumor is removed, but also the damaged vertebrae are reconstructed or completely replaced with modern biocompatible implants.
- Radiosurgery and stereotactic surgery.
- High-precision radiation therapy.
- Hormone therapy is an auxiliary therapy aimed at reducing inflammation in the affected area of the spine.
Highly qualified Israeli spinal neurosurgeons with world-renowned names, state-of-the-art medical and diagnostic equipment and own innovative developments in the treatment of spinal cord tumors have made Israel a center of medical tourism for people suffering from spinal tumors and other spinal pathologies.