Best Clinics for Spinal Cord Tumor in Spain

What are the Benefits of Getting a Spinal Cord Tumor in Spain?

• The cost-effectiveness of medical care in Spain makes it an attractive option for patients seeking treatment. The surgical cost in Spain is 10% lower than the USA, Germany and Israel.
• The best Clinics for Spinal cord tumors in Spain are:
  • Teknon Medical Center is one of the leading private hospitals in Spain. It has a specialized neurooncology department where highly competent specialists work. Most of the doctors from Teknon cancer institute are ranked among the top 100 specialists according to Forbes Magazine
  • Hospital Quironsalud Barcelona: This hospital is one of the most prestigious hospitals in Spain which is ISO and JCI accredited and performs thousands of minimally invasive neurosurgical treatments every year

• The best Doctors for Spinal cord tumors in Spain are:
  • Dr. Alia Ramírez- She is a neurosurgeon at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, having extensive experience of 16 years in the surgical treatment of spinal cord tumors.
  • Dr. Salvador Miralbés- He is a senior neurologist at Clinica Rotger Quirónsalud having 30 years of experience treating complex spinal disorders.

Spinal Cord Tumor: Diagnosis in Spanish Clinics

Diagnosis is an important part of the treatment which involves several steps, including

• Medical history: During this, the doctor asks about disease symptoms, medical history, and any previous surgeries or treatments you may have had.
• Imaging tests: MRI, CT scan, or myelogram can help identify the location and size of the tumor.
• Biopsy: A tumor sample is examined under a microscope to determine the type and whether it is cancerous or not.
• Neurological exam: To assess the function of the spinal cord, the doctor performs a neurological test
• Blood tests: These are performed to check for any abnormalities or to rule out other medical conditions.

Once a diagnosis has been made, Spanish doctors focus on the treatment plan and a discussion is made considering the patient’s reports and previous medical history.

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Spinal Cord Tumor: Treatment Strategies in Spain

The treatment depends on several factors, such as the type of tumor, its location, size, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Some common treatment strategies are:

Radiation therapy

It uses high-energy radiation and can be used before or after surgery to shrink the spinal cord tumor or to kill any remaining cancer cells. It may also be used as the primary treatment for spinal tumors that cannot be removed by surgery due to their location.

Chemotherapy

Oncologists prefer this method to kill spinal cord tumor cells through drugs. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

Laser ablation

A newer technique in oncology that uses a laser to destroy the tumor. Using imaging guidance, a small hole is drilled into the skull to allow access to the spinal cord. A laser fiber is inserted through the hole and advanced to the site.

It is then activated, and the heat generated by the laser destroys the spinal cord tumor tissue. After the tissue is destroyed, the laser fiber is removed, and the incision is closed.

Radiofrequency ablation

The technique uses heat generated by high-frequency radio waves to destroy spinal cord tumors. A small incision is made in the spinal cord, and a thin probe is inserted through the skin and guided to the tumor using imaging guidance, such as CT or MRI.

Once the probe is in position, radio waves are sent through the probe to generate heat that destroys the tumors. The temperature is carefully monitored to ensure that healthy tissue is not damaged. After the RFA is complete, the probe is removed, and the incision is closed with stitches or adhesive strips.

Stereotactic radiosurgery

A non-invasive procedure that uses high doses of radiation. Once the spinal cord tumor is located, a highly focused beam of radiation is delivered to the site from different angles using a machine such as a linear accelerator.

The beam is targeted to deliver the maximum dose while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. The entire treatment usually takes only a few minutes.

Steroids

They can reduce swelling around the spinal cord tumor and relieve symptoms such as pain, weakness, and numbness.

Supportive care

It involves managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue. To help improve patients’ quality of life, physical therapy and occupational therapy can also be offered.

Surgeries for Spinal Cord Tumor in Spain

It serves as a primary treatment approach. Surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible while minimizing damage to the spinal cord. Several surgical procedures can be used, including:

Microsurgery

This minimally invasive procedure uses a microscope and specialized instruments. The surgeon uses electrophysiological monitoring to ensure the nerves are not damaged during the spinal cord operation. This involves placing electrodes on the muscles and spinal nerves to measure their activity and ensure that they are functioning properly.

Endoscopic surgery

Another minimally invasive procedure for spinal cord tumor removal that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light) to visualize and remove the tumor.

The surgical staff carefully monitors the endoscope for precise treatment. The length of hospital stay varies between three to seven days in spinal cord tumor surgery depending on the selected surgical approach

Recovery After Spinal Cord Tumor Treatment

• The recovery process depends on several factors, such as the extent of surgery, the individual's overall health, and the effectiveness of the treatment. Here are some general guidelines for recovery
• Rest and Rehabilitation: It is important to allow the body to rest and recover after surgery or radiation therapy. Physical therapy may be necessary to help regain strength and mobility in the affected area.
• Pain Management: An important aspect of recovery, medications are prescribed to manage pain.
• Lifestyle Changes: Depending on the treatment approach, some changes may be necessary. This can include modifications to physical activity, diet, and medication use.
• Emotional Support: Recovery can be a challenging process, and emotional support from family, friends, or a support group can help cope with the physical and emotional challenges
• Monitoring: Follow-up appointments with the doctor are necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure the tumor does not return.
• Working closely with your doctor to develop a comprehensive recovery plan is important. Recovery from spinal cord tumor treatment may take two to three months, but with proper care and support, you may be able to regain function and lead a fulfilling life.