Reliable Neurosurgical Care: Spinal Tumor Treatment

The words “spinal tumor” sound like a death sentence and cause natural fear of pain or immobility in patients and their relatives. However, it is important to understand: modern neurosurgery has powerful tools that allow for successful treatment of these diseases. Moreover, not every neoplasm is malignant (cancer).

Specialists of the Vertebrology and Neurosurgery Department of St. Luke’s Clinic (Banchery village) provide highly qualified assistance for spinal tumors of any complexity. We use advanced microsurgical and minimally invasive methods to relieve nerve structures from compression, alleviate pain, and restore strength to your spine.

What are spinal tumors?

Neoplasms in the spine are divided into two large groups, the treatment tactics for which differ fundamentally:

• Benign tumors (most often — Hemangiomas): These are vascular tumors inside the vertebral body. They do not metastasize but gradually destroy bone tissue from within, making the vertebra fragile. Over time, this can lead to its fracture (flattening) even with minor stress.
• Malignant tumors and Metastases: Primary spinal cancer is rare. Most often, metastases appear in the vertebrae — secondary tumors brought from other organs (breast, lungs, prostate, etc.). They rapidly destroy bone and press on the spinal cord.

Symptoms: when to sound the alarm?

The insidious nature of spinal tumors lies in the fact that in the early stages they mimic common osteochondrosis or sciatica. Signs that require immediate medical attention and an MRI:

• Specific pain: back pain that does not go away after rest and worsens at night or when lying down. Painkillers are almost ineffective.
• Neurological disorders: numbness, tingling, a feeling of coldness in the legs or arms.
• Weakness in the limbs: it becomes difficult to walk, legs “don’t obey”, problems with urination or bowel function appear (a sign of severe spinal cord compression).
• Unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, and fever.

Modern treatment methods at St. Luke’s Clinic

The main task of our neurosurgeons is to eliminate pain, prevent vertebral fracture, and free the spinal cord. We use the most modern technologies:

1. Percutaneous Vertebroplasty (Bone Cement)

This is the “gold standard” for treating hemangiomas and metastases that destroy the vertebra. The procedure is performed without incisions!

• Under X-ray control, the surgeon inserts a thin needle into the vertebra destroyed by the tumor.
• Through it, a special medical “bone cement” is delivered. It fills the cavities, destroys the tumor with high temperature (during hardening), and permanently “cements” the vertebra, restoring its strength.
• Result: Pain disappears within a few hours after the procedure! The patient can walk on the same day.

2. Microsurgical Removal and Decompression

If the tumor has extended beyond the vertebra and is pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots, surgeons perform microsurgical decompression (nerve release). The use of a powerful operating microscope allows for the safest possible removal of tumor masses without damaging healthy nerve tissues.

3. Spinal Stabilization (Titanium Implants)

If the tumor has severely destroyed one or more vertebrae (or they had to be removed), the spine loses its supporting function. To enable the person to sit and walk, neurosurgeons install stabilizing systems (reliable titanium screws and rods). They fix the spine, relieve pain, and allow for early rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation and Care

The stay in the hospital of St. Luke’s Clinic takes place in the most comfortable conditions under round-the-clock supervision of medical staff. We provide quality pain relief in the postoperative period and accompany the patient at all stages of recovery.

A diagnosis is not a reason to give up, but a signal to act. Schedule an expert consultation with neurosurgeons and vertebrologists at St. Luke’s Clinic. Modern medicine can protect your spine and give you a life without pain!