Spinal cord tumor - Astrocytoma, benign

    
      Re: Spinal cord tumor - Astrocytoma, benign
    


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Posted by CCF Neurosurgery MD on November 12, 1997 at 12:41:22:

In Reply to: Spinal cord tumor - Astrocytoma, benign posted by Susan on November 04, 1997 at 19:18:56:

: I have been advised to have radiation to try and zap the remainder of this tumor.  Will radiation cause more damage then I am already dealing with (numbness and loss of sensation)?
  How will the radiation be done?
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Dear Susan,
The idea with radiation for spinal cord astrocytomas is to treat the cells that
were not removed with surgery.  Astrocytomas are infiltrative tumors and
discreet margins are often not easily seen at surgery.  Therefore, the
radiation is used to 'zap' what abnormal cells remain.
Radiation therapy to the spinal cord is generally well tolerated.  The issue
at hand is keeping the astrocytoma in check versus causing damage from the
radiation.  Usually treating the residual tumor cells carries more significance
in the long run, as side effects from the radiation are relatively uncommon.
You should speak to your neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist as to the
side-effects and incidence of side-effects at their particular facility.
They may choose focused-beam radiation or radiation to the entire spine.
Again, you should speak to these people regarding their recommendation in
your particular situation.
Good luck.