Radiation therapy for tumors of the spinal cord, metastases

Spinal cord tumors

Spinal cord tumors account for about 20% of the total number of tumors of the central nervous system. These tumors are almost not always primary CNS tumors; most tumors are either metastatic or primary bone tumors.
Tumors observed in the spinal cord tend to form weakness, loss of sensitivity. Extramedullary lesions apply pressure to the spinal cord through long tracts (upper motor neurons) together with the nerve root, which also exert pressure and cause radicular pain. Patients have a loss of functionality of the bladder and intestines, pain in the legs, and in later periods, sphincter disorders.
For the definitive diagnosis of spinal cord tumors, CT and MRI are critical.

Metastatic tumors

Metastatic tumors account for up to 25% of all spinal tumors. Most often, lesions appear in areas of the body such as the breast, lungs, prostate gland, and kidneys. If the focus is not established or there is progressive neurological disorders, treatment is carried out in the form of surgery with a biopsy. If a focus is established, preference should be given to local radiation therapy. Best results obtained with EDGE Varian digital linear accelerator