Spine Tumor Program

Caring for patients with spine tumors requires the cooperative work of multiple teams. At Confluence Health, our spine surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, physiatrists and physical therapists all work together to improve the quality of life for patients dealing with these conditions.

Our neurosurgeons, along with our orthopedic spine surgeon, provide the consultative and surgical services needed to remove tumors and stabilize the spine if it has been weakened by cancer. In some cases, our interventional radiologists will perform a biopsy to obtain a diagnosis. Our pathologists provide the diagnosis needed to determine the next steps in care. In some cases, the tumors are benign and do not need any additional treatment. In others, the tumors may be cancerous. In these cases, the oncology team provides chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and other medications to treat the cancer.

Our radiation oncology team performs a variety of treatment modalities to further treat the cancer, including fractionated treatment and stereotactic radiosurgery. Physiatrists and physical therapists assist patients by improving strength and compensating for any neurologic limitations that might result from their tumors.