The spinal cord is an integral one of the parts of the central nervous system. It extends as a nerve tissue column that extends from the top of the brain to the back. It is the conduit for important signals out of the brain into the other body. You may experience spinal cancer when the cells are abnormally growing out of control. The cells outgrow in the bone tissues and fluids. Thus, to cater to the symptoms, let’s see spinal cancer treatment for the same.
What are the most common spine cancer treatments?
Treatment options for cancer of the spine vary in a wide range, depending on the factors like area and severity of cancer. The surgical options include less invasive and more aggressive methods. In addition, interventional radiology, surgery, and chemotherapy can be utilized to treat the condition or alleviate the side consequences. According to the oncologist in Kolkata, the most frequently used treatments for cancer of the spine are:
Therapy with radiation
Radiation therapy for spinal cancer is typically used following surgery to remove a tumor and kill tiny tumor cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in pill form orally and injected into veins. In addition, for certain spinal tumors, the doctor can inject the medications in cerebrospinal fluid.
Interventional radiology
Interventional radiologists in Kolkata provide minimally invasive procedures, execute procedures to treat the effects of pain and complications, perform biopsies, and work to ease a myriad of symptoms that could arise when undergoing the course of treatment for cancer.
Surgery
In case if the tumor is located in any area of the spine column, you may need to perform surgery. Thus, the surgeon will remove the spinal column completely. In the case of metastatic spinal tumors, we can perform the minimum surgery required to relieve symptoms.
What is the benefit of surgery?
The aim of surgery for spinal cancer depends on various factors, including the location and severity of the tumor and the signs and symptoms that are present.
If the tumor is restricted to a particular part in the spinal column, the doctors can perform surgery to eliminate cancer. However, if the tumor is metastatic, it is possible to perform surgery to alleviate symptoms. For instance, we typically employ surgical techniques to address spine column instability and compression and ease discomfort.
In addition, surgery for cancer of the spine can aid in removing tissue pressing on the nerves and spinal cord or reduce the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
In the past, procedures for treating spinal tumors were quite extensive. However, with the advancement of technology, the oncologist in Kolkata can perform many of these procedures with minimally invasive techniques.
The minimally invasive spine surgeries enable patients to return to their feet and resume normal activities quicker and without pain. In addition, it allows you to maintain your health through nutrition and return to treatment quicker.
Is Craniotomy best as Spine Cancer Treatment?
A craniotomy is a procedure that allows the affected area to be opened to remove a tumor in the brain. Surgery aims to eliminate most of the tumor without destroying vital brain tissue or disrupting the brain’s functions. The patient will be put under general anesthesia or be awake for a minimum of some of the procedures when the surgeon needs to evaluate the brain’s performance (called “mapping”).
During the procedure, the surgeon creates an incision (incision). Then, the doctor may remove a portion from the affected area to expose the region in which the tumor is growing.
The surgeon takes out most of the tumor as is feasible. Then, a specific ultrasound device can be used to break down the tumor, making it simpler to remove. The surgeon can also employ an operating microscope specially designed for the job, which helps identify the tumor’s boundaries.
The medical expert can utilize image-guided surgical procedures to treat some spine tumors. Images are taken repeatedly using an MRI or CT image during a procedure to reveal the site of the tumor and the instruments used by the surgeon.
The doctor closes the scalp by using staples or stitches. For example, if your spine has become swelling following surgery. The doctor may remove the cancerous area, and it helps to reduce the swelling. However, it is wise to take a second opinion, for spinal cancer treatment.
Alternative non-surgical treatment for spinal cancer
The surgeon’s at multi-specialty hospitals suggest the following non-surgical treatment for spine cancer:
- Corticosteroids: Steroids can also help lessen inflammation caused by cord compression. This therapy does not eliminate cancer. However, it reduces the strain around the spine due to its anti-inflammatory capabilities. The most frequently used steroid is dexamethasone.
- With Interventional radiology, Our doctors can see tumors in real-time and execute interventions. The doctor may perform biopsies to treat tumors directly and provide palliative care and monitor your treatment response.
- The vertebroplasty procedure and kyphoplasty are two instances of minimally invasive procedures. The expert uses the method for compression fractures in the spinal vertebrae caused by spinal cancer.
- Compression fractures in the spinal vertebrae may cause extreme back discomfort, spinal deformity, and even loss of height. The doctors can perform the procedure of kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. They perform the surgery to repair fractured and collapsed vertebrae.
Metastatic Spinal Tumor Treatment Goals
Most metastatic spinal tumors form in the vertebra, and they reduce the strength of the bone as time passes. The oncologist in Kolkata offers complete treatment for spine cancer.
When a vertebra breaks, the spine can become unstable, cause greater pain, and even cause compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerve.
With these typical problems in mind, treatment options of metastatic tumors typically consist of:
- Relief from pain. According to the doctors, the main objective of the treatment is to provide relief to the patients. As we know, spine cancer develops severe pain.
- Maintain neurologic function. Maintaining or restoring spinal stability could be necessary to maintain neurological function, for example, walking or controlling bladder and bowel function. Patients with metastatic spinal tumors are likely to have a higher chance of surviving (long-term perspective) when they can keep their capability to walk.
How does advanced radiation contributes to spine cancer treatment?
The majority of treatments for spinal tumors that are metastatic require radiation therapy. The most frequent types are:
Conventional external beam radiation therapy (BRT).
Conventional EBRT uses a device to deliver one beam of radiation to the body, targeting cancer. However, this kind of treatment might not be a suitable option for tumors too close to sensitive organs that would not be capable of handling radiation exposure.
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).
SRS emits multiple beams of low-dose radiation to the tumor at various angles. The aim is to maximize the amount of radiation delivered to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue nearby. Advances in SRS allow for the development of many metastatic spinal tumors. The doctor uses SRS to treat without needing more invasive surgeries.
Word of Wisdom
Spine cancer can be dangerous if not treated on time. Thus, booking an appointment with the designated health expert is necessary. As we know, there are many spine cancer treatments.
Yet, which surgery brings more benefits and has fewer complications. Therefore, get expert advice and book an appointment with an oncologist in Kolkata through Credihealth.


