“Spine” is the term for the mobile chain of bones that starts from the base of the head and reaches up to the tailbone. The spine also assures our posture and the mobility of our body. As tumors or cancer can arise from any tissue, there are certain types of tumors that involve the spine as wall. The majority (90%) of the spinal tumors are the spread of a cancer from elsewhere in the body (metastasis). In addition, there are also tumors that derive from the spine itself. Spinal cord that runs through the spine is a precious structure that makes our arm, legs and internal organs work. Spinal tumors can compress the spinal cord by their size or by causing spinal fractures. Paralysis and being bedridden is inevitable, as the decrease in quality of life. However, early diagnosis and right surgical treatment avoids all these risks.
METASTATIC SPINE TUMORS:
Metastasis can be to all parts of the spine (cervical, dorsal and lumbar). Involvement of cervical (neck) vertebrae is 6% while this rate is 50% for lumbar and dorsal vertebrae. The most frequent tumors that metastasize to the spine are breast, prostate, lung, kidney, thyroid and colon cancers.
TUMORS THAT ARISE FROM THE SPINE ITSELF:
Every tumor of the bone can originate from the spine as well. Primary spine tumors are: multiple myeloma (primary plasmacytoma of the vertebrae), chondrosarcoma, chordoma, aneurysmal bone cyst, osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, osteochondroma, hemangioma, eosinophilic granuloma and giant cell tumors.
TREATMENT IN SPINE TUMORS
The principle of treatment in metastatic spine tumors is closely related to the stage of the primary cancer in the patient’s body. If the primary cancer has spread all over the body and the life expectancy is low, we don’t perform surgical treatment. However, if the primary tumor is under control and there is a risk of spinal cord compression and paralysis due to the metastasis, then we perform radical surgical treatment. In the surgery, in the same session, the vertebra with cancer is completely removed, the spine is restored with appropriate medical materials and then it is stabilized to prevent loosening or dislocation. The risk of paralysis is completely eliminated with this surgery.
A CERVICOTHORACIC PLASMACYTOMA
THE PATIENT WAS OPERATED BOTH FROM THE BACK AND FRONT IN THE SAME SESSİON. THE TUMOR WAS COMPLETELY REMOVED, VERTEBRA WAS RESTORED AND STABILIZED.
RENAL (KIDNEY) CANCER METASTASIS IN THORACAL REGION. AFTER THE TUMOR WAS CLEANED RESTORATION WAS PERFORMED WITH A BONE GRAFT FROM THE HIP AND STABILIZED WITH PLAQUE SCREWS.