Life-Saving Spinal Tumor Treatment at University Hospitals

University Hospitals is one of only 20 spine programs in the U.S. to be designated a Center of Excellence by the National Spine Institute. Our patients receive superior, multidisciplinary care from highly skilled spine specialists equipped with the latest medical and surgical advancements for treating spinal tumors.

If you are living with a benign or malignant tumor on your spine, you can count on the spine specialists at University Hospitals to provide you with the most advanced spinal tumor treatment options that can remove as much of the tumor as possible without disturbing the vital parts of your spine and its surrounding structures.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing for Spinal Tumors

There are two types of spinal tumors including:

• Benign spinal tumors: A benign spinal tumor features clean edges and definite borders. Although not cancerous, they may need to be removed if they are putting pressure on the spine or causing discomfort.
• Malignant spinal tumors: A malignant spinal tumor is cancerous and can infiltrate into healthy tissue, so it should be removed by a team with significant experience in spinal cord tumor removal.

To determine a successful spinal tumor treatment plan, our team must first accurately determine the exact abnormalities within your spinal cord. If you’re experiencing back pain that worsens over time, weakness or numbness, loss of sensation, loss of bowel and bladder control, spinal deformities, pain while standing or erectile dysfunction, you may have a spinal tumor. Some of the advanced techniques available at UH for spinal tumor diagnosis include:

• Biopsy: Extracting a tiny tissue sample of the tumor may be needed to confirm if it’s benign or malignant.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI allows us to view all the parts of your spinal cord and spine to make an accurate diagnosis.

Individualized Treatments for Malignant and Benign Spinal Tumors

Your general health as well as the type and location of your spinal tumor all play a role in determining your treatment. At University Hospitals, our goal is to provide you with the most advanced spinal tumor treatments that offer the least amount of impact on your body. Each tumor is different and will require a different approach. For some, this may include spinal tumor surgery, while others may need to rely on other forms of spinal tumor treatment. Your spinal tumor specialist will walk you through your options and help you decide the best option for you. Some of these spinal tumor treatments may include:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a medicine that may be given orally or by injection to stop or slow the growth of a spinal tumor.
• Corticosteroids: These drugs are intended to reduce swelling and may be an option if the tumor is pressing against your spinal cord.
• Proton therapy: With proton therapy, radiation is aimed directly at the site of the tumor without damaging any of the surrounding healthy tissue.
• Targeted therapies: Using small molecules that block pathways that cancer cells use to survive and multiply, targeted therapies can fight some types of spinal tumors.
• Surgery: Spinal tumor surgery may be an option to remove a portion or your entire tumor while protecting your spinal cord and surrounding structures.

For More Information on Spinal Tumor Treatment, Contact University Hospitals

If you have any spine problems, it’s important to seek care by a spine specialist for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Contact University Hospitals Spine Institute - because the earlier a spinal tumor is detected, the higher the chances are for a positive outcome. Schedule an appointment today at 440-848-1077 at any of our convenient locations.