Spine tumors, abnormal growths of tissue found in and around the spine, rarely begin there. Most often they are the result of metastatic cancer – cancer that has spread from other parts of the body but on rare occasions it can originate in the spine as a primary spine tumor. Cancer that moves to the spine can cause pain and compress nerves, causing weakness or paralysis of the arms or legs. Treatment of spine tumors is focused on maintaining patient quality of life.
At The James, we have nationally recognized spine tumor experts who have dedicated their lives to supporting and caring for cancer patients and their families, and our specialized team approach provides the best cancer research and treatment.
Our multidisciplinary spine neuro-oncology clinic at The James brings together a team of expert physicians to provide patients the benefit of the latest knowledge and techniques in related areas of specialization.
With research and treatment areas under one roof at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, we are able to better make research advances available to patients.
Ehud Mendel, MD, FACS, joined Ohio State’s Department of Neurological Surgery in 2006 from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston,Texas, as director of the spine program. Dr. Mendel is an internationally recognized authority on spinal tumors and is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. He is co-investigator or principal investigator on a number of studies and protocols and has implemented some significant advances in the treatment of spine tumors, including:
- A minimally invasive procedure (smaller surgical incisions) to inject bone cement into vertebrae affected by compression fractures, stabilizing the fracture and improving the quality of life for the patient. This option for selected patients allows them to continue walking, with marked improvement in pain relief.
- Future development of stereotactic radiosurgery as a minimally invasive option for treating spine tumors. With this procedure, the surgeon is able to map a particular vertebra and then radiate only that area, without harming surrounding tissues as may occur with conventional radiation therapy.
This section of the Web site will give you access to:
If you have questions about spine tumors, please call The James Line – a free cancer information resource and physician referral service – at (614) 293-5066 or 1-800-293-5066 (outside Franklin County) or e-mail now. The James Line oncology nurses can
be reached Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (except weekends and
holidays).