FAQs about Radiation Treatment for Spinal Tumors
1. How is radiation used for the treatment of spinal tumors?
Radiation damages cancer cells and inhibits their ability to reproduce. Radiation therapy or radiosurgery may be used following conventional surgery to remove a tumor in order to destroy any remaining cancer cells outside the primary tumor site. In some cases, when surgery isn’t possible, radiation may be used as the first method to shrink the tumor. You and your treatment team will discuss your options and what type of radiation might be appropriate for your particular case.
2. What are the side effects of radiation treatment for spinal tumors?
Some patients experience minor side effects from spinal radiation, such as fatigue or skin irritation. These side effects typically subside after treatment ends. Other side effects that may occur are radiation necrosis (build-up of scar tissue), loss of sensation, damage to nerves or paralysis. These side effects may be temporary, or in some rare cases are permanent. For tumors which have already significantly invaded the vertebral bodies, bone fracture and vertebral body collapse may occur. Vertroplasty or Kyphoplasty is one of many techniques to minimize this effect in those cases. For more details, see Possible Side Effects. Talk to your radiation oncologist about what side effects you might experience during and after treatment.
3. What position will I be in for treatment? Will I be able to see what’s happening?
Patients treated for spinal tumors are usually positioned lying with their back on the treatment ‘couch.’ The radiation treatment team will help you into position using a body cradle that will be adjusted appropriately each day. For cervical spine treatments, you may have a special head and neck mask to stabilize your cervical spine. You will be able to watch the machine work, as well as talk to your radiation therapist via microphones in the treatment room.
4. What happens after treatment ends?
After your treatment has ended, your doctor will recommend a schedule for periodic checkups to monitor the results. Typically, checkups are scheduled at six-month intervals. If symptoms or clinical circumstances suggest a recurrence, diagnostic tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, CT scans, MRIs, chest x-ray (CXR), or a bone scan may be needed.
For more FAQs, see Radiation Therapy FAQs.
