Spine Tumors

Spine Tumors
What is a Spine Tumor?
Treatment Options
Recovery time
Level of Activity after Treatment

What is a Spine Tumor?

Tumors of the spine are growths that can affect the different parts of the spine. They are either benign or malignant. In most instances, tumor cells travel from the original site of the tumor growth and lodge in the spine. With time the tumor cells replace the normal cells of the bone or the disc, and can lead to the weakening of these structures. If the bone is weakened enough, it can brake and cause spine fractures, i.e. pathological fracture.

Symptoms of a Spine Tumor: The bony parts, i.e. vertebra, or the soft parts, i.e. disc, can be involved. When the growth of the tumor extends towards the nerves and spinal cord, it can cause symptoms of pinched nerve or spinal cord compression. Early on, individuals can complain of pain that wakes them at night and not relieved with rest. As the pressure builds towards the nerves and the spinal cord, hand and arm numbness, muscle weakness, balance problems and urinary control issues can arise.

Causes of Spine Tumor: Tumors of lung, breast, prostate and thyroid tend to travel to the vertebrae through the blood stream. In other cases, the tumor growth starts from the spine itself. It can arise from the bone-osteoma or osteosarcoma, disc-chondrosarcoma, blood vessels within the bone-hemangioma, blood vessels surrounding the spinal canal- arteriovenous malformation and fistula, or they can arise from the spinal cord- astrocytoma, ependymomam, or the nerves- neurofibroma, schawannoma, or from the covering that surrounds the contents of the spinal canal-meningioma.

Diagnosis of Spine Tumor: Plain X-rays can show the fractured vertebrae. Generally, MRI scans with contrast enhancement and CAT scan imaging are widely used for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

Treatment Options

Treatment goal is to restore function and alleviate pain and disability caused by the tumor. For patients with primary spine tumors, total surgical resection of the tumor followed by reconstructive spinal surgery can provide long term relief and prove to be curative. In patients with metastatic spine tumors, Dr. Mohamed Mohi Eldin works with a multi-disciplinary group, which includes oncologists and radiation therapy specialists, to provide the patient with a comprehensive array of treatment options. In most cases, surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy allow for the best treatment outcomes.

Recovery time

Dr. Mohamed Mohi Eldin has an extensive experience with microsurgical techniques and muscle-sparring approaches that allow for faster recovery and shorter hospital stay as compared to traditional surgeries. Delicate tissue handling, detailed attention to the overall well-being of the patient and use of state-of-the-art facilities provide the patient with ease and comfort during the recovery period.

Level of Activity after Treatment

Dr. Mohamed Mohi Eldin’s protocols are discussed with the individual patient to ensure a rapid and pain free recovery. Patients are instructed to avoid heavy lifting, bending, and twisting for the first two weeks. Physical therapy generally begins by the third post-operative week. In case of adjuvant therapy, Dr. Mohamed Mohi Eldin works closely with oncologist and radiation therapy specialist to coordinate the follow-up care.

Why Select Dr. Mohamed Mohi Eldin?