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Surgery
Some spinal tumors, benign or malignant, require surgical intervention
before or after non-operative treatments. When pain is unresponsive to non-operative
treatment, neurologic deficit progresses, a specimen is needed, neural elements
(e.g. nerves) are compressed, vertebral destruction exists, or when spinal stabilization
is necessary - surgery is considered. The primary goals in surgery are to reduce
pain caused by the spinal tumor, restore or preserve neurologic function, and
provide spinal stability. The spinal tumor may be approached surgically from
the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the body. Surgery may include tumor
resection (partial removal) or excision (complete removal). When the tumor is
removed (partially or completed) pain and neurologic problems may clear up.
Spinal instrumentation and Fusion are procedures used to reconstruct and stabilize
the spine. These procedures join and solidify the level (or levels) where a
spinal element (e.g. vertebral body) has been damaged or removed. Instrumentation
uses medically designed hardware such as rods, bars, wires, and screws. These
devices hold the spine straight during fusion. Fusion is the adhesive process
joining bony spinal elements. The number of days spent the patient will spend
in the hospital after surgery is partially dependent on the procedure(s) performed.
Thereafter, the patient's care is monitored by periodical office visits and
re-evaluation by the treating physician. Recovery
The patient's care is monitored
by periodical office visits and re-evaluation by the treating physician. This
is important because some tumors, benign or malignant, may reoccur. Treatment
may include radiation and/or chemotherapy. The side effects from radiation can
be severe including reddened or painful skin at the treatment site, nausea,
vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Chemotherapy can cause similar side
effects. However, many of these side effects can be treated with drugs. Usually
when the treatment period has ended, the symptoms clear up. Analgesics are given
to control post-operative pain and cancer pain. Cancer pain may be difficult
to control (e.g. 'break through pain'). A pain management specialist may provide
assistance if conventional drugs (e.g. pill, skin patch) do not provide relief.
Any surgery, radiation treatment, or chemotherapy can drain the patient nutritionally.
Therefore, a proper diet is important to regain strength, lost weight, and a
measure of health. A professional nutritionist can provide guidance. Depending
on the extent of the surgery and the patient's medical status, a course of physical
therapy may be prescribed. Through exercise and modalities the patient can build
strength, endurance, and flexibility.
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