brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Spinal Tumors
Treatment of Spinal Tumors
Corticosteroids, given immediately Surgery, radiation therapy, or both Sometimes chemotherapy If symptoms suggest that the tumor is compressing the spinal cord, corticosteroids (such asdexamethasone) are immediately given in high doses to reduce the swelling. Such tumors are treated as soon as possible, often surgically. Many tumors of the spinal cord and spine can be removed surgically. In some cases, radiation therapy is given after surgery. If tumors cannot be removed, radiation therapy is used, sometimes after surgery has been done to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. Other treatments, such as chemotherapy, may be used depending on the type of cancer. Recovery generally depends on how quickly treatment begins and how much damage was done. Removal of meningiomas, neurofibromas, and some other primary spinal tumors may result in a cure. If a tumor has distinct borders and has not spread from elsewhere in the body, removing it causes symptoms to resolve in about half of people. 