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Benign Spinal Tumors

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Shaped Beam Radiosurgery

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Abstract

Benign neoplasms account for approximately one third of all spinal tumors (Conti et al. 2004). Their frequency is increased in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 or 2. These lesions may be restricted to the thecal sac, the extra-thecal portions of the nerve sheath, or some combination of these locations (Celli et al. 2005). Benign spinal tumors typically present with a constellation of weakness, pain and/or sensory disturbance (Cherqui et al. 2007; Conti et al. 2004). Gross total resection is the standard of care for benign spinal tumors and complete removal rates are in excess of 95% in most neurosurgical experiences (Conti et al. 2004; Lot and Bernard 1997; Seppala et al. 1995a, b). Surgical cure, however, may require sacrifice of one or more nerve roots (Celli 2002; Celli et al. 2005; Kim et al. 1989; Safavi-Abbasi et al. 2008; Seppala et al. 1995a). Surgical intervention, moreover, may exacerbate underlying neurological symptoms or produce new, permanent deficits (Conti et al. 2004; Levy et al. 1986; Lot and Bernard 1997; Safavi-Abbasi et al. 2008; Seppala et al. 1995a, b). Subtotal tumor removal in an attempt to avoid neurological morbidity may result in tumor regrowth (Levy et al. 1986; Lot and Bernard 1997; Seppala et al. 1995b; Chang 1998). Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been demonstrated safe and effective for a variety of benign intracranial tumors. By extension, a similar radiotherapeutic approach should prove efficacious for spinal tumors of similar histology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite B265, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Michael Selch

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  1. Michael Selch
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Correspondence to Michael Selch .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Department of Neurosurgery and Radiation, University of California, Le Conte Ave. 10495, Los Angeles, 90095, California, USA

    Antonio A. F. De Salles

  2. UCLA Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Le Conte Ave 10945, Los Angeles, 90095, California, USA

    Alessandra Gorgulho

  3. David Geffen School of Medicine, Dept. Radiation Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA Medical Plaza 200, Los Angeles, 90095, California, USA

    Nzhde Agazaryan

  4. , Department of Radiation Oncology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Netherlands

    Ben Slotman

  5. David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, UCLA Medical Plaza 200, Los Angeles, 90095, California, USA

    Michael Selch

  6. BrainLAB, Inc., Westbrook Corporate Center 3, Westchester, 60154, Illinois, USA

    Aaaron J. Burwick

  7. Shaped-Beam Radiosurgery, Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Hansen Way 3100, Palo Alto, 94304, California, USA

    Raymond Schulz

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© 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Selch, M. (2011). Benign Spinal Tumors. In: De Salles, A., et al. Shaped Beam Radiosurgery. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11151-8_23

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11151-8_23

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-11150-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-11151-8

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