Benign spinal tumours are diagnosed quite rarely. Usually, such neoplasms do not metastasize, but due to compression of the nerve roots, they can cause pain, mobility restrictions, and neurological disorders. The goal of Israeli doctors is not only to remove the tumour, prevent complications, but also to preserve spinal function. Treatment of benign spinal tumours 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 prognosis of the disease. Numerous reviews testify to the clear organization of medical and diagnostic procedures, 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 tumours.
About the Disease
Benign spinal tumours 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 in size; however, they can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots, which, without timely treatment, can lead to potentially 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 a number of spinal tumours is associated with mutations that negatively affect the growth and structure of bone tissue;
- congenital developmental defects — conditions for tumour 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, the development of neoplasms;
- spinal injuries — mechanical damage can stimulate pathological tissue regeneration, which in some cases leads to tumour formation;
- hormonal and metabolic disorders.
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumour, its stage of development, and aggressiveness.
Benign spinal tumours are characterized by the following clinical signs:
- localized pain of varying intensity, which worsens with movement and at night;
- muscle weakness;
- limited mobility;
- decreased sensitivity;
- dysfunction of pelvic organs;
- deformation of the spine;
- coordination disorders.
It should be noted that symptoms develop gradually; the initial stages of the disease may be asymptomatic, which is why many patients seek medical help only when experiencing significant discomfort.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
In the Ichilov clinic, the treatment program is developed collectively, taking into account the type and location of the tumour, its characteristics, and the overall condition of the patient.
Medication Therapy
Medications are prescribed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and decrease the size of the neoplasm. The course of medication treatment includes the following drugs:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
- analgesics;
- corticosteroids (which have an anti-inflammatory effect);
- drugs affecting bone metabolism (prescribed to strengthen the vertebrae);
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors — indicated for the treatment of neurofibroma;
- neuroprotectors;
- immunomodulators.
Laser Vaporization
Small benign neoplasms of the spine are successfully removed by vaporizing (vaporization) pathological tissues. This effect is achieved by locally heating the tumour focus with a precisely directed laser beam.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation
This effective minimally invasive method has proven itself in the treatment of certain benign tumours, 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 tumour tissues are destroyed.
Chemical Ablation and Cryodestruction
Benign neoplasms such as an aneurysmal bone cyst are effectively eliminated by introducing chemical compounds into the tumour tissues that cause necrosis. A positive effect is also observed when treating the tumour 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 surgery. In the Ichilov clinic, most interventions are performed minimally invasively, using gentle, low-trauma techniques. This minimizes the risk of bleeding, the development of surgical complications, and maximizes the reduction of the recovery period.
If there are no contraindications for the patient, the tumour 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 tumour 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 his actions using the O-Arm neuro-navigation system, which provides continuous monitoring.
Laminectomy
In the Ichilov clinic, this operation aimed at relieving compression of the nerve endings is performed using the robotic surgical system Spine Assist. 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 tumour are secured with a metal structure, and the affected intervertebral disc and cartilage are replaced.
- Removal of spinal tumours
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
The modern equipment of the 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 previously conducted medical and diagnostic procedures, performs 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 characteristics of the tumour, the degree of damage to the bone-cartilage structures, nerve endings, and soft tissues;
- bone scintigraphy;
- biopsy (obtaining a sample of tumour tissue for laboratory analysis).
Third Day
The medical council reviews the obtained results, establishes the 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, which are 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 doctor training.
- Clinics equipped 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.