The Role of Surgical Therapy

Abstract

The correct treatment of any spinal column tumor depends on a number of characteristics or factors unique to the individual patient and their individual tumor. There is a broad spectrum of therapies available to treat spinal tumors, ranging from observation to total vertebrectomy. Both undertreatment and overtreatment can lead to trouble. A successful surgical plan follows from a concise, step-wise investigational algorithm: 1. Identify and characterize the tumor. 2. Classify the tumor as stage and extension. 3. Identify an indication for surgery—relative or absolute. 4. Review the non-operative options. 5. Review the options for resection and reconstruction. 6. Determine the role of adjuvant therapy. 7. Formulate a treatment plan that takes all steps into consideration.