Spinal cord tumors are a type of cancer that can affect the central nervous system (CNS). An essential part of the CNS, spinal cord nerves control bodily movement. According to the Mayo Clinic, surgery is usually the first option in treating a spinal cord tumor because the surgeon can remove most of the tumor with little neurological damage. But because the size of the tumor can vary depending on its progression, physicians that can zoom in on the exact location of the tumor will have more surgical options.
Microsurgery
Microsurgery relies on the use of a high-powered microscope to help the surgeon differentiate between tumor tissue and healthy tissue. Using the microscope, the surgeon can close in on the tumor and remove as much as possible without having to sacrifice nearby normal tissue, according to the Mayo Clinic. Microsurgery is ideal if the spinal cord tumor is smaller in size and requires a close up for its location. In addition, microsurgery can be used to clean up remnants of the tumor during surgical removal.
Ultrasonic Aspirators
Ultrasonic aspirators use sound waves instead of surgery to remove the spinal cord tumor. The sound waves generate a vibration, causing the tumor to break up. Then, the sound waves act as a vacuum and suck up the tumor fragments, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ultrasonic aspirators are an option for patients who do not want evasive surgery or if there is a high risk of nerve damage from surgery.
Evoked Potentials
Evoked potentials are not a technique to remove a spinal cord tumor but are used before surgery to prevent damage to surrounding nerves. Evoked potentials use small electrodes to determine the roles of nearby nerves and then emit an electrical current, which stimulate the nerves. Then, the electrical response of the nerves is measured and recorded.
Computer-Assisted Stereotactic Neurosurgery
Computer-assisted stereotactic neurosurgery is another method of surgically removing a spinal cord tumor, according to the Mayo Clinic. Using a computer to detect the tumor, the surgeon can safely remove it without sacrificing nearby healthy tissue. Similar to microsurgery, computer-assisted stereotactic neurosurgery is useful when the tumor is large.
Note
According to Merck, surgery may be the only option if the spinal cord tumor is benign, or non-cancerous. If the tumor is malignant, then radiation or chemotherapy may also be used in concordance with the surgery.
