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Treatment
Immediate treatment of a spinal cord tumor is the key to a successful outcome.
Most cases of spinal cord tumors are treated surgically. As stated above, even
non-cancerous tumors can continue to grow and place pressure on the spinal cord
and block the blood vessels that nourish spinal cord cells. This can seriously
affect the child's ability to function and can even cause total and permanent
paralysis.
Surgery is performed to remove or reduce the size of the tumor and alleviate
the pressure on the spinal column caused by the tumor. Once the surgery has
been performed, a pathologist examines tumor tissue to determine the exact type
of tumor. This is called tumor classification and is based on the type of cells
from which the tumor originates. After the tumor is classified, it is then given
a number to indicate the speed at which it is growing. This is called tumor
grading. A higher number is given to fast-growing tumors and less aggressive
tumors are given lower numbers.
In addition to surgery, other parts of the treatment plan may include:
• Radiation therapy - x-ray beams targeted to the tumor site to destroy
tumor cells
• Chemotherapy - used for cancerous tumors to destroy cancer cells
• Physical therapy - to help restore body functions and strength impaired
or lost before surgery
Recovery
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, most children tolerate this
type of surgery quite well and are often released from the hospital within a
few days of the procedure. Once home, the child may need to be given pain medications
until the incision is completely healed.
As soon as the child is able, he or she should be encouraged to return to daily
activities like school or play. Exercise can be done in moderation. The child
should also get plenty of rest and be given a well-balanced diet.
Follow-up with the child's surgeon to monitor the recovery process is important.
Regular check-ups with the child's pediatrician should also continue.
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