It’s likely that you have many concerns about what lies ahead if you’ve been informed that you must have surgery to remove a tumor from your spine. Your doctor will go over the specifics of the procedure based on your unique circumstances, but the recovery process is generally the same for patients who have tumors removed.
What is meant by spine tumor?
A spinal tumor is a mass of abnormal cell growth that forms inside or outside of the spinal column or spinal cord.
The spinal cord is protected by the spine (backbone), a long, elastic column of bones. After beginning at the base of your skull, it ends at the tailbone, which is a piece of your pelvis.
The places where a tumor on spinal cord can be found:
- In the interiors of the spinal cord
- In the tissues surrounding your spinal cord
- In between the bones and meninges of the spine
- In the bones of the spinal cord.
Who is likely to get spinal tumors?
Although spinal tumors can occur in anyone, those who have cancer, particularly lung, breast, or prostate cancer, are more prone to get them. These spinal tumors are regarded as metastatic or secondary tumors.
Primary spinal tumors are uncommon, however they tend to affect people between the ages of 65 and 74 as well as kids between 10 and 16 years old.
What can you expect before a spine tumor surgery?
Learn about the spine tumor surgery:
Your ability to control your expectations as you recover might be greatly aided by learning as much as you can about the spine tumor treatment you’re about to have. Anxiety and frustration can be lessened by being aware of what to expect at each stage, from anesthesia and the chosen surgical procedure to the recovery area and beyond.
Get a complete health checkup:
You must receive full medical clearance before having spine surgery, just like with other major procedures. You must schedule a physical examination with your primary care physician within 30 days of your procedure and give a thorough health history, including an explanation of all prescription drugs and dietary supplements you take.
What are the treatment options for the primary tumors?
The treatment options for primary spinal tumors:
Your doctor could advise routine MRI monitoring if you have a benign primary tumor that is asymptomatic or only minimally symptomatic and doesn’t seem to be changing or progressing.
Some primary spinal tumors are medically treatable by removing the entire tumor for a potential cure.
What are the different types of spinal tumor surgery?
Posterolateral resection:
Through a cut in the center of your back, neurosurgeons utilize this technique to remove spine tumors and strengthen your spine. You can start receiving radiation therapy or other treatments more quickly thanks to the procedure’s decreased risk of problems and quicker spine tumor surgery recovery time.
En bloc resection:
The tumor is removed in one piece using this surgical method. En bloc resection is frequently used to totally remove primary tumors that are present in the bones of your spine or close to your spine, such as giant cell tumors, low-grade chondrosarcomas, and chordomas.
Metastatic spine tumor surgery:
Some surgical techniques can aid in stabilizing your spine, reducing discomfort, preventing paralysis, and enhancing mobility if you have metastatic spine tumors (a tumor in the spine that originated elsewhere in your body).
Two of the most frequent procedures for metastatic spine tumors are as follows:
Spinal cord decompression:
By using this method, the pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots is relieved. Additionally, decompression makes adequate room for you to receive high-dose radiation without running the danger of damaging your spinal cord.
Spinal instrumentation:
Your surgeon places pedicle screws and rods on your spine to realign the bones and distribute pressure. This procedure is typically utilized if kyphoplasty cannot treat your substantial spinal cord compression, collapsed vertebra, or burst fracture. Your surgeons will utilize less invasive techniques, like specially made screws, whenever possible.
What is the recovery period of spinal tumor surgery?
After your surgery, you will often be able to return home in a week or less from the spine tumor surgery hospitals.
As your recuperation progresses, you can gradually increase your activity level at home. Depending on your surgeon’s instructions, you could be asked to walk at first. Physical therapy may be prescribed in specific circumstances; make sure to attend all specified sessions. This frequently has a significant impact on healing and aids in regaining strength and flexibility.
Are the spinal tumors serious?
Usually when the spinal tumors show up they may not be life threatening but when the tumor is diagnosed for several months it can lead to permanent damage.
Can spinal tumors get completely cured?
The patient’s age, general health, and whether the spinal tumor is benign or malignant, primary or metastatic, all have a significant impact on the outcome. Primary tumors should be entirely removed in order to maximize the chance of a successful cancer cure.
Important Takeaway:
Spine tumor surgery is a complex and often life-changing procedure. Understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery can help you or your loved one approach the process with confidence and preparation. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare team, adhere to postoperative guidelines, and seek the necessary physical and emotional support to maximize the chances of a successful recovery and improved quality of life. Reach out to the best neurosurgery hospital to get immediate treatment.