Professor Ofer MerimskiHead of the Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology
The combination of world-class neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons with extensive technological capabilities attracts numerous foreign patients to Israeli clinics. Treatment of osteoblastoma of the spine in Israel follows a comprehensive program using modern surgical and conservative methods. Surgeries are performed using intraoperative navigation, 3D modeling, robotic systems, and neuromonitoring, which minimizes risks and increases the accuracy of tumour removal. The main goal of Israeli doctors is to completely remove the neoplasm while preserving spinal stability and neurological functions.
Great attention is paid to the rapid conduct of accurate diagnosis, the development of a therapeutic program considering the specifics of the disease and the overall condition of the patient. Comfortable conditions, a warm atmosphere, and the presence of an accompanying person to help solve organizational issues are of immense importance. Patient reviews confirm that the excellent organization of the therapeutic and diagnostic process, transparent pricing, and comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation make Israel one of the best places for treating spinal tumours.
About the Disease
Osteoblastoma of the spine is a rare benign tumour of bone tissue. The neoplasm primarily forms in the posterior elements of the vertebrae (laminae, spinous and transverse processes) and tends to grow slowly. Despite its benign nature, osteoblastoma can cause severe pain and lead to neurological disorders due to its proximity to the spinal cord and nerve roots.
The following types of osteoblastoma of the spine are distinguished:
- low-aggressive – the neoplasm slowly increases in size, the tumour process does not spread to adjacent tissues, and clinical signs usually do not manifest in the early stages of the disease;
- aggressive – the tumour grows rapidly, compressing adjacent nerve endings, which causes pain sensations.
The exact causes of osteoblastoma are not fully established. Risk factors include:
- congenital disorders of bone tissue formation;
- local circulatory disturbances in the bone;
- spinal injuries;
- genetic predisposition (mutations adversely affecting the growth of bone tissue cells).
The disease is most often detected in adolescents and young adults.
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the neoplasm. The most characteristic are:
- persistent localized pain that worsens at night and is not relieved by ordinary painkillers;
- limited mobility and stiffness of the affected segment of the spinal column;
- muscle spasm;
- neurological symptoms arising from compression of nerve structures (numbness and weakness in the limbs, sensory disturbances, in severe cases — dysfunction of the pelvic organs);
- deformation of the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis) that develops with large tumours.
The prognosis for osteoblastoma of the spine is generally considered favorable, especially in cases of timely diagnosis and appropriately selected treatment tactics.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
In the diagnosis of non-aggressive osteoblastoma of small size, it is sometimes possible to replace a course of antitumor therapy with monitoring the dynamics of the process. Regular visits to the treating physician and undergoing the examinations they prescribe allow for timely detection of disease progression and initiation of treatment. However, in most cases, to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications, comprehensive therapy is recommended to be conducted as early as possible. Removing the tumour at an early stage helps avoid spinal curvature and the onset of severe pain that develops with significant tumour growth.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical removal of the tumour is the main method, as osteoblastoma is not amenable to drug treatment. At Ichilov Clinic, minimally invasive endoscopic and microscopic methods are used for tumour removal.
- Microsurgical removal – performed through a small access using an operating microscope, with minimal blood loss and slight tissue damage.
- Endoscopic removal – used for tumours of the posterior elements of the vertebrae, access is obtained through small skin incisions. Such interventions are characterized by a low risk of complications, a quick and smooth postoperative period. With normal well-being, the patient stays in the clinic for no more than three days.
The modern neuro-navigation systems O-Arm used at Ichilov Clinic allow the spinal surgeon to see the tumour in real-time and control their actions. By using continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring, the physician responds to the slightest changes, which significantly helps prevent damage to nerve structures.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation sessions are conducted if it is impossible to surgically remove the entire tumour. This method is prescribed with caution, as the effect of such an active mutagen as radioactive radiation can cause malignancy of the osteoblastoma. Additionally, the pathology often develops in adolescence, when radiotherapy is indicated only in extreme cases.
Chemotherapy
Administered in conjunction with radiation sessions or independently in the case of tumour recurrence. Ichilov Clinic uses low-toxicity chemotherapy drugs of the latest generation that do not cause severe side effects in patients.
Laser Vaporization
At the initial stage of the disease, small tumours are effectively removed using modern laser techniques. Before the procedure begins, the coordinates of the neoplasm are accurately determined, to which a laser fiber is brought through a skin puncture. The irradiation causes a sharp increase in local temperature to a level sufficient for vaporization (evaporation) of the tumour tissues. This method is considered one of the least traumatic ways to remove osteoblastoma of the spine.
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Oncological Surgery
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
At Ichilov Clinic, the professionalism of doctors and modern equipment allows for a diagnosis to be made and an effective treatment program to be developed within three days.
First Day
Upon arriving at the clinic, the patient attends a primary consultation with the treating orthopedic surgeon. During the appointment, the doctor studies the medical history, conclusions of previous examinations, conducts a superficial examination, and prescribes additional tests.
Second Day
Undergoing diagnostic examinations:
- x-ray of the spine – allows for the assessment of bone changes, possible deformations, destruction of the posterior elements of the vertebrae;
- computed tomography (CT) – one of the key diagnostic methods that allows for clear visualization of the bone structure, identification of the pathological focus, and assessment of the degree of involvement of the laminae, processes, and intervertebral joints in the tumour process;
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – the most informative method for studying soft tissues, allows for the assessment of the size and extent of the tumour, determination of its influence on the spinal cord and roots, identification of edema, inflammation, and compression of nerve structures;
- positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) – used to assess the spread of pathological changes, to exclude malignant processes;
- bone scintigraphy – a radiological study of bone tissue that allows for the assessment of the spread of the tumour and identification of distant metastases;
- biopsy – collection of tumour tissues for subsequent cytological and histological analysis.
Third Day
The results of the studies are submitted for review by the medical council. After reviewing the information, the doctors collectively determine the diagnosis and select the most effective treatment methods for this patient.
- Biopsy
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis — PET CT
- X-ray
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The cost of treatment in Israel is accessible to most medical tourists. The final price is determined after the therapy is conducted and depends on a number of factors. By contacting the consultant at the clinic using the number provided on the website, you can find out the approximate amount.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Excellent training of doctors.
- Equipping clinics with modern therapeutic and diagnostic equipment.
- Advanced methods of antitumor therapy.
- Comfortable conditions for undergoing therapy.
- Affordable prices.
Foreign patients can have an online consultation with a doctor from an Israeli clinic without leaving home. To do this, they should contact the consultant, arrange a time for the consultation, and provide the available medical documentation. The specialist will answer questions, evaluate the conducted studies, and recommend further treatment.