Nonsurgical treatment of spinal tumors
The type of, or combination of treatment your doctor recommends is thoughtfully balanced between completely eliminating the tumor and reducing injury to spinal structures such as nerves. Treatment considerations include your age, health status, and tumor type. Your doctor will help you to understand the treatment recommendations as well as risks, side effects, and possible complications.
Observe and Monitor
Sometimes a spinal tumor is discovered incidental to the diagnosis of a different disorder. Perhaps the spinal tumor is benign, not causing symptoms, or slow growing. In some cases, the risks associated with radiation treatment, chemotherapy, or surgery is riskier for the patient to undergo than keeping a watchful eye on the tumor.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy directs high-powered x-rays at a spinal tumor to kill cancer cells. Actually, the DNA of the cancer cells is destroyed, which may help shrink a tumor, reduce pain and other symptoms, slow spread, or growth of cancer. Sometimes radiation therapy is administered before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to prevent cancer from recurring.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
SRS is not surgery, but rather a computerized and more exacting method to deliver high-dose radiation therapy. High-powered x-rays beams are focused at angles on the spinal tumor - treating a smaller area than standard radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy has not proven to be beneficial in the treatment of most spinal tumors. However, in some cases, it is recommended and may be combined with radiation therapy.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can be administered orally (by mouth) or injection. These drugs may be used during treatment for short time periods to reduce swelling following radiation therapy or surgery.
Other medications and treatment include those to manage pain (e.g. drugs, nerve blocks) and tumor-related symptoms or side effects (e.g. nausea). A pain management specialist may be included among the patient's treatment team.
