Cancer and Spinal Fracture can affect the bones and vertebrae of the spine. Also known as spinal tumors, these tumors can cover the dura or spinal cord as well. Spine cancer affects your vertebral column and spread to other parts of the body – a process known as metastasis.
However, some types of tumors start within the spinal bones, such as Ewing’s sarcoma, osteosarcoma, plasmacytoma, and chordoma. In today’s article, we will talk about cancer and spine fracture, causes, and treatment options. Read on!
Cancer and Spinal Fractures
There are various causes of spine cancer, and the most common one is osteoporosis. Research shows that cancers that originate in other parts of the body can also spread to the spine, which can cause spinal fractures. A spinal compression fracture is usually due to two types of cancers, which are bone metastasis and multiple myeloma.
The spine cancer can also affect your neurological functions because it pushes the nearby nerve roots and the spinal cord. When the tumor grows within the bone, it can lead to pain, fractures, and instability of the spine. Sometimes, the spinal tumor is not cancerous, but still, it can cause damage to your back and even disability on a permanent basis.
Cancer and spinal fractures have many treatment options, such as medications, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery – both open back and minimally invasive surgery techniques.
What are the causes of Cancer and Spinal Fracture?
Spine cancer is very rare in the U.S and other countries of the world. Research studies have not highlighted the clear causes of cancer and a spinal fracture. In simple words, researchers and medical professionals don’t know exactly why it develops.
Some researchers believe that alteration in genetic structure can cause spinal fracture and vertebral tumors. However, there is no solid evidence behind this claim. Likewise, some experts say that environmental factors, such as exposure to harsh chemicals, can cause spine cancer. Again, there is no solid evidence.
The spine cancer is characterized by metastasized vertebral tumors. So, it can spread tumors in other organs of the body. Also, cancers from other parts of the body can travel to the spinal area. However, most commonly, they spread from the prostate, lung, and breast. Bone cancers, including multiple myeloma, can also affect the spine and even spread to this area. Continue reading!
What are the possible treatments for spine cancer?
There are various treatment options for cancer and a spinal fracture. First and foremost, doctors use radiation therapy to eliminate tumors. Radiation therapy is also effective in removing tumors from the spine when the surgeon can’t remove it via surgery.
For instance, open spine surgery can cause severe damage to the surrounding muscles and tissues. Proton beam therapy is another type of treatment prescribed by doctors to eliminate tumors from the spine, including chondrosarcomas, chordomas, and others. Proton beam therapy has been found useful in targeting protons at the site where tumors are present without damaging the surrounding muscles and tissues.
Moreover, chemotherapy is another treatment option for spine cancer. It involves the use of various chemicals and medications to eliminate cancer cells and stop the growth of tumors in the spine.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Besides the treatment options above, the best choice for a patient to completely get rid of spine cancer is the minimally invasive spine surgery.
It is an effective approach for cancer and spinal fracture, especially the metastasis of the spinal tumors. It has also been found effective in treating advanced cancer patients, and the plus point is that you can undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy after the surgery.
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, which requires the surgeon to insert a needle through a tiny incision in the back. The surgery aims to insert the bone cement or graft material into cancer and spinal fracture to fill the empty spaces.
Vertebroplasty is an effective approach to stabilize the internal bone structure in the spine. It is also useful in reducing pain and prevention of further complications in the vertebrae. MINT performs Vertebroplasty using high-quality tools and instrumentation to restore the patient’s mobility.
Spinal decompression is a minimally invasive technique to relieve pressure on your spinal cord. The surgery techniques are laminectomy, which is posterior decompression, and Corpectomy, which involves removing a piece of discs and vertebra that contain tumors.
Besides, the Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas has experienced, licensed, and professional surgeons who perform various MIS surgeries to treat cancer and spinal fracture. Contact us today!
