Vertebral tumors

Tumors of the vertebral column are very heterogenous and are classified by anatomic localization. Three different types are described: extradural tumors, intradural extramedullary tumors and intramedullary tumors.

1. Extradural tumors

Extra-dural tumors are almost all osseous tumors from the vertebral bone. It could be an isolated tumor or a metastasis of a general oncologic disease. This kind of tumors presents few problematic. The first one is the histological diagnosis which necessitates a biopsy or a tumor removal. The second one is the possible instability of the vertebra and the last one is the possible medullary compression. Different type of surgical treatment could be proposed. The most classical is the trans-pedicular screw placement for vertebral instability. The other classical treatment for medullary compression is the laminectomy (removal of the posterior part of the vertebra). Other techniques could also be chosen as radiotherapy, vertebroplasty or biopsy. The decision of the treatment is based on the oncological story of the patient, the type of disease, the stability of the vertebra and on the neurological exam. Dr Robert and Dr Bonasia realize this surgery under microscopic view and trans-tubular approach to limit the muscular trauma. They realize such surgeries in Clinica Ars Medica.

2. Intradural extramedullary tumors

Intradural extramedullary tumors are usually benign and grow inside of the dura mater but outside of the medulla. With the slow growing of the tumor, the compression of the medulla could be the problem that indicates the surgical treatment. Surgical removal of the tumor is the first line treatment. Few centers could propose alternative therapies less invasive but without the same results. This type of surgery must be with neuromonitoring of the nerves. Dr Robert and Dr Bonasia realize these surgeries at Clinique La Source at Lausanne.

3. Intramedullary tumors

They are very rare tumors that grow from the medulla itself. Usually, the patient presents neurological deficit with slow evolution without back pain. Surgery of this kind of tumor necessitates an expertise of the whole team. Dr Robert and Dr Bonasia propose these surgeries at Clinique La Source at Lausanne.