Spine Cancer

Most cases of spine cancer are metastatic cancer -- meaning they have spread from another part of the body already affected by cancer. Our doctors develop a treatment plan designed just for you and the type of tumor you have.

We base our treatments on input from our spine and cancer specialists, who develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient. As a team, we recommend the best course of action for you. It may include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, radiosurgery, or a combination of these therapies

Treatment for all types of spinal column tumors depends on the tumor type, where it is located, and your symptoms. With certain types of small tumors, we may recommend a watch-and-wait approach. In most cases, we recommend radiation therapy alone or with surgery.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy beams target the tumor to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for some tumors that affect the spinal cord and spinal column. In other cases, such as chordoma, we may recommend post-operative radiation after we remove your tumor to minimize the chances that it may recur.

Spinal Radiosurgery

This outpatient procedure targets X-ray beams directly on your spinal tumor to reduce its size and eliminate pain it may cause. Because it is a minimally invasive procedure, radiosurgery is a quick and painless option. Most patients are done in about an hour and only require one treatment.

Surgery

Surgically removing your spinal tumor is often the best course of treatment. We have experience successfully removing the delicate lesions on your spinal column or spinal cord. With chordoma, we take care to remove the tumor in one piece. Removing as much of the tumor as possible -- and keeping the tumor intact -- is key for optimal results. It increases your chances of long-term remission of your cancer. We may recommend radiation therapy before surgery to shrink your tumor, or afterward to prevent your cancer from recurring.

To determine whether you have spine cancer, your doctor will perform a physical exam. You may also have the following tests:

Minimally Invasive Biopsy

A tissue sample from your spine is tested for cancer. An imaging technique, such as X-ray, helps the doctor guide the needle used during the minimally invasive biopsy. This approach gives precise results without the need for an incision.

X-Ray

Takes pictures of bones inside your body. X-rays show any areas of instability in your spine. Because X-rays only show bones and not discs or nerves, another imaging test is usually needed.

MRI

Magnets and radio waves are used to take detailed pictures of your spinal discs and the nerve roots of your spinal cord. 

CT Scan

A series of cross-sectional pictures produce detailed, 3-D images of your spine and spinal cord.

CT Myelogram

A dye is injected into the sac around the nerve roots in your spinal cord; this helps them show up better on a CT scan.

Bone Scan

A radioactive tracer is injected into your vein to help doctors identify signs of cancer in your bones. A special camera that detects radiation takes pictures of your spine to show how much of the tracer has collected in your bones.

PET Scan

A radioactive tracer collects in organs and tissues, making them show up better in images. A scanner takes 3-D pictures of your spine that highlight the location of tumors.

Surgical Expertise
Our spine surgery team has the experience and precision needed to remove delicate spinal cord tumors. We perform more than 1,200 spine surgeries every year.

Reputation for Excellence
Our program combines the expertise of specialists in both our spine and cancer programs. Our cancer program is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the best cancer program in North Carolina and one of the top nationwide.

Precise Diagnosis
Diagnosing spine cancer involves pinpointing the exact location of your spinal tumor, its type, and how advanced it is. We use advanced imaging tests and minimally invasive biopsy to get accurate, fast results that allow us to plan and start your treatment as soon as possible. 

Team Approach
Each individual on our team of specialists plays a role to ensure your spinal tumor shrinks or is removed. We take every precaution to reduce your risk of the tumor recurring. Your care team includes surgeons, radiation oncologists, medication oncologists, and radiosurgery specialists -- all of whom may play a role in your treatment.

Intraoperative Imaging Technology
We offer advanced intraoperative capabilities with CT and MRI. That means our surgeons use detailed, real-time 3-D pictures of your spine to guide them so they surgically remove your spinal tumor with precision.

Support for You and Your Family
Our comprehensive support services range from helping you minimize the side effects of cancer treatment to helping you and your family cope with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment. View all of our cancer support groups in our event calendar.