Realistic Cervical Spine Mass - Female, 19 Years

Cervical Spine Mass:

Tumors involving the cervical spine can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may arise from the bone, soft tissues, nerves, spinal cord, and spinal cord covering (meninges). These cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, unchecked by the mechanisms that control normal cells. Primary tumors originate in the bones, soft tissue, or spinal cord, and metastatic/secondary tumors (most common) result from cancer spreading from another site to the spine. Tumors in this location include primary malignant bone tumors (osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, multiple myeloma), benign bone tumors (osteoblastoma, osteoid osteoma, aneurysmal bone cyst), schwannomas, meningiomas, soft tissue sarcomas, and benign soft tissue entities such as lipomas. In this case of a primary soft tissue sarcoma, the relationship to the craniocervical junction of the spinal cord and defining a surgical approach that could ensure negative margins within the constraints of the anatomy were paramount to a successful surgery.

Cervical Spine Anatomy:

The cervical spine is the superior most section of the osseous spine. It consists of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7), intervertebral discs, surrounding muscles, and ligaments that support the skull, protect the spinal cord, and allow for a wide range of head and neck movement. Tumors in this area can compress the spinal cord, nerves, or blood vessels, leading to neurological deficits or pain. 

Treatment

Treatment for a cervical spine mass depends on the mass's type, size, and location. Options include: 

• Surgical Resection: Surgery is often required to remove the mass, especially if it is compressing the spinal cord or causing neurological symptoms. 

• Radiation Therapy: For malignant tumors, it can be a primary treatment, an adjuvant treatment in combination with surgery, or in cases where surgery is not feasible, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the mass or prevent further growth. 

• Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy: In cases of metastatic cancer or malignant primary tumors, chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery or radiation. 

• Steroids and Pain Management: Steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, and pain management techniques are often necessary to alleviate symptoms associated with mass compression.