|
|
Spine Tumor
Spinal cord tumors are extremely rare and can be difficult to treat; however, we have assembled a team of elite practitioners in neurosurgery, medical and radiation oncology, neuropathology and neurology to provide advanced, comprehensive treatment for intrinsic and extrinsic spinal tumors, as well as for metasticized spinal conditions from other forms of cancer.
Because all spine surgery poses a degree of risk and the potential to impact neurological function, every measure is taken to increase the safety of our patients—we accomplish this by using a team approach to optimize our surgical outcomes and by harnessing state-of-the-art technologies, including stereotactic image-guidance, ultrasonic aspirators, motor and somatosensory-evoked potentials, and microscopic imaging during surgery, to diagnose, monitor and treat spinal tumors.
Accurately identifying the tumor type is the most important step specialists can take to determine an effective course of treatment in spinal cord tumor cases. First, high-powered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams are given, with and without contrast, to locate the tumor. Next, a tissue sample is taken and biopsied; once the pathology has been correctly diagnosed, a group of specialists from multiple disciplines are assembled and work together to craft a customized treatment plan.
Because radiation and chemotherapy may be recommended in cases of malignant tumors, our team has gone to great lengths to establish strategic partnerships with some of the nation’s top oncologists and radiation therapists to assist our patients with this portion of their treatment. We also specialize in treating patients whose cancer has metasticized to the spine and spinal cord, applying the same principles of expert care, cutting-edge practices, a multidisciplinary approach, and present, compassionate guidance to serve patients living with metastatic conditions.
Extrinsic Spinal Tumors
Location
Grow inside the spinal canal and may exert pressure on the spinal cord; most often are benign
Surgical Intervention
Majority of tumors in this group are surgically accessible with clearly-defined boundaries
Anticipated Outcomes
Complete removal is likely in most cases; because surgery may impact surrounding bone, reconstructive surgery may be required to preserve spinal health
Examples
MENINGIOMAS
SCHWANNOMAS
NEUROFIBROMAS
Intrinsic Spinal Tumors
Location
Grow inside the substance of the spinal cord itself; can be benign or malignant
Surgical Intervention
Accurate diagnosis of tumor pathology is paramount; tumor type may have less-defined boundaries and be difficult to access for surgical removal
Anticipated Outcomes
Challenging and high-risk surgery; neurological deficits following procedure may be likely; follow up surgeries, radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary
Examples
EPENDYMOMAS
SUBEPENDYMOMAS
GANGLIOGLIMAS
ASTROCYTOMAS
HEMANGIOBLASTOMAS
PARAGANGLIOMAS
CHORDOMAS
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
To schedule a consultation or to obtain a second opinion with a Los Angeles Neurosurgical Institute specialist,
please call: 877-MD-LANSI (877-635-2674) or email us at info@lansi.org.
 |
|
