Benign spinal tumors are diagnosed quite rarely. Usually, such neoplasms do not metastasize, but due to nerve root compression, they can cause pain, mobility restrictions, and neurological disorders. The goal of Israeli doctors is not only to remove the tumor, prevent complications, but also to preserve spinal functions. Treatment of benign spinal tumors in Israel involves performing minimally invasive endoscopic surgeries using neuromonitoring and navigation systems.
The modern equipment of Israeli clinics allows for quick and accurate diagnosis and selection of effective therapy methods, significantly improving the disease prognosis. Numerous reviews indicate a well-organized treatment and diagnostic process, attentive staff, and comfortable conditions in the hospital. The development of an individual therapy plan, multidisciplinary consultations, and affordable costs allow Israel to lead in the treatment of spinal tumors.
About the Disease
Benign spinal tumors are neoplasms that usually form from the cells of the bone, cartilage, and nerve tissue of the vertebrae and surrounding structures. They do not metastasize and grow slowly, but they can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots, which without timely treatment can lead to local pain of varying intensity; for example, osteoblastoma can undergo malignant transformation.
The causes of such neoplasms are not fully understood. The main risk factors include:
- genetic predisposition — the occurrence of several spinal tumors is associated with mutations that negatively affect the growth and structure of bone tissue;
- congenital developmental defects — conditions for tumor growth can be created due to errors in the formation of bone structures or cartilage during fetal development;
- chronic inflammation — prolonged inflammatory processes in the spine or surrounding structures increase the risk of disrupted cell division and, consequently, tumor development;
- spinal injuries — mechanical damage can stimulate pathological tissue regeneration, which in some cases leads to tumor formation;
- hormonal and metabolic disorders.
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor's location, stage of development, and aggressiveness.
Clinical signs characteristic of benign spinal tumors include:
- local pain of varying intensity, which worsens with movement and at night;
- muscle weakness;
- restricted mobility;
- decreased sensitivity;
- dysfunction of pelvic organs;
- spinal deformity;
- coordination disturbances.
It should be noted that symptoms develop gradually; the early stages of the disease may be asymptomatic, which is why many patients seek medical help only when experiencing significant discomfort.
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Treatment Methods for the Disease
At Ichilov clinic, the treatment program is developed collectively, taking into account the type and location of the tumor, its characteristics, and the patient's overall condition.
Medication Therapy
Medications are prescribed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and decrease the size of the neoplasm. The medication treatment course includes the following drugs:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
- analgesics;
- corticosteroids (which have an anti-edema effect);
- drugs affecting bone metabolism (prescribed to strengthen the vertebrae);
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors — indicated for neurofibroma therapy;
- neuroprotectors;
- immunomodulators.
Laser Vaporization
Small benign neoplasms of the spine are successfully removed through the vaporization of pathological tissues. This effect is achieved by locally heating the tumor focus with a precisely directed laser beam.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation
This effective minimally invasive method has proven successful in treating certain benign tumors, such as osteoid osteoma. Under local anesthesia, a radiofrequency probe is introduced through a puncture in the skin to the neoplasm, through which medium-frequency current is supplied. Under the influence of alternating current, the tumor tissues are destroyed.
Chemical Ablation and Cryodestruction
Benign neoplasms such as an aneurysmal bone cyst are effectively removed by introducing chemical compounds into the tumor tissues that cause necrosis. A positive effect is also observed when treating the tumor with a special cryoprobe using liquid nitrogen, which causes freezing and death of pathological tissues.
Surgical Treatment
If conservative methods are ineffective, a decision is made to perform surgical intervention. At Ichilov clinic, most procedures are performed minimally invasively, using gentle, low-trauma techniques. This minimizes the risk of bleeding, the development of surgical complications, and maximally shortens the recovery period.
If there are no contraindications, the tumor is removed endoscopically. Through a small skin incision, an endoscope equipped with a camera and microsurgical instruments is introduced. Types of neoplasms such as giant cell tumors are removed using curettage. The defect formed after the removal of the neoplasm is filled with bone cement, restoring the structure of the spine.
The spinal surgeon performing the operation controls their actions using the O-Arm neuronavigation system, which provides continuous monitoring.
Laminectomy
At Ichilov clinic, this operation aimed at relieving nerve root compression is performed using the Spine Assist robotic surgical system. The robotic surgeon precisely removes the vertebral arches.
Spinal Stabilization
When removing a large neoplasm, the integrity and normal functioning of the spinal column are ensured through a reconstructive operation. The vertebrae damaged by the tumor are secured with a metal construct, and the affected spinal disc and cartilage are replaced.
- Removal of spinal tumors
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
The modern equipment of Ichilov clinic and the high qualifications of diagnostic doctors allow for an accurate diagnosis within three days.
First Day
Upon admission to the clinic, the patient is directed to a primary consultation with the attending physician. During the appointment, the specialist reviews the results of previous treatment and diagnostic procedures, conducts a superficial examination, and prescribes necessary additional examinations.
Second Day
Conducting diagnostic examinations:
- X-ray examination of the spine;
- CT, PET-CT, MRI — the most informative imaging methods that allow for precise determination of the tumor's characteristics, the degree of damage to the bone-cartilage structures, nerve endings, and soft tissues;
- bone scintigraphy;
- biopsy (obtaining a sample of tumor tissue for laboratory analysis).
Third Day
The medical council reviews the obtained results, establishes a final diagnosis, and develops an effective treatment program.
- Biopsy
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis — PET CT
- X-ray
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The price of the upcoming treatment is determined by a number of factors assessed after its completion. In general, medical services in Israeli clinics are cheaper for foreign patients than in the USA and several European countries. By contacting the clinic's consultant at the number provided on the website, you can find out the approximate cost.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High level of physician training.
- Equipping clinics with the latest technology.
- Application of advanced diagnostic and treatment methods.
- Comfortable therapy process.
- Affordable prices.
For foreign patients, an online consultation service with an Israeli doctor is available. To do this, you should contact the clinic's consultant, provide the available medical documentation, and arrange a time for the consultation. The doctor will answer questions and recommend further treatment.