What is Spinal Tumor?

Spinal tumors can involve the neck, back and lower back. They can begin in several different types of cells, including nerve cells in the spinal cord, soft tissues or muscles that support the spine, and bones that make up the spinal column.

Between 15% and 20% of central nervous system (brain and spine) tumors occur in the spine.
Tumors that begin in the spine are known as primary spinal tumors. A tumor that has spread from another part of the body to the spine is known as a metastatic tumor.

Spinal tumors can be dangerous even if they are not cancer. As they develop and grow they can cause serious problems by pressing against crucial parts of the spine.

About the Spine :

The spine is made up of bones, muscles and ligaments. They work together to provide structural support to the body and protect nerves that control important body functions, as well as sensation and movement.

Vertebrae are the bones of the spine that are stacked one on top of another beginning at the base of the brain. Around and between the vertebrae are nerves, joints, muscles and cartilage. Five vertebrae joined together in the lower back are called the sacrum. The tailbone (coccyx) includes the bottom three vertebrae.

Three layers of tissue (meninges) protect the outside of the spinal cord. They are called the:

• Pia mater, the inner layer
• Arachnoid, the middle layer
• Dura mater, the outer layer

Types of Spinal Tumors:

Spinal tumors are classified by the types of cells within the tumor. Each type grows and is treated in a different way.

Intradural extramedullary spinal tumors are within the spinal cord covering (dura) but outside the spinal cord.

These include:

Extradural spinal tumors (vertebral column tumors) usually involve cartilage and bone. They may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Lymphomas (a tumor of the blood system) also may spread to the spine and compress the spinal cord.

Risk Factors of Spinal Tumors include:

Anything that increases your chance of getting a spinal tumor is a risk factor. Little is known about the causes. It is known that certain disorders that run in families may increase your risk of brain tumors or spinal tumors.

These include:
 Neurofibromatosis type 2
 Von Hippel-Lindau disease
 Immune system disorders may play a part in spinal cord lymphomas

Not everyone with risk factors gets spinal tumors. However, if you have risk factors, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your health care provider.
In rare cases, It can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you.

What we provide:

ACH offers treatment of benign (not cancer) and malignant (cancer) spinal tumors. When you are treated here, you benefit from the knowledge and experience of some of the nation’s most renowned spinal cancer experts.
Our physicians approach spinal tumor care in specialized teams, bringing together incredible skill to give you the highest level of customized care. This personalized care and our partnership with you focus on the most advanced treatments with the least impact on your body.

Your spinal tumor treatment team may include neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists, neuropathologists and nurse practitioners. They collaborate and communicate every step of the way. They are joined by a support staff trained in helping patients with spinal tumors.
Treatment for spinal cancer often includes surgery, and surgical skill is key to successful outcomes. Our surgeons complete more spine tumor surgeries each year than many surgeons do in a lifetime. This gives them a high level of experience and expertise that can make a real difference in your treatment and recovery.

And our physicians have at their fingertips the latest technology and techniques to treat spinal tumors, including:
 Stereotactic radiosurgery
 Proton therapy
 Targeted therapies
We are constantly researching newer, more effective and safer surgical and medical approaches. Numerous clinical trials of new treatments are available for spinal tumors.