Spine Oncology

Spinal tumors are rare, but if you have one, spine oncology will determine the best treatment approach and guide your care. Orthopedic spine surgeon William Sheppard, MD, MPH, specializes in spine oncology at his practice in Santa Monica, California. He diagnoses and treats cancerous spinal tumors using an integrative, minimally invasive approach. Dr. Sheppard’s use of advanced technologies, including radiofrequency tools and specialty drills, increases precision and supports positive outcomes. Call the practice of William Sheppard, MD, to schedule a spine oncology appointment, or book your visit online today.

What is spine oncology?

Spine oncology is an orthopedic surgery subspecialty that diagnoses and treats cancerous spinal tumors. These tumors can originate in the spine or metastasize (spread) from cancer in another part of the body.

Although spinal tumors are rare, they often form at sites difficult to access. As a result, treatment requires a specialized, precision approach.

What types of tumors can benefit from spine oncology?

Dr. Sheppard uses spine oncology to treat tumors caused by several types of cancer, including:

• Osteosarcoma (an aggressive bone cancer)
• Chondrosarcoma (a tumor that forms in cartilage cells around a bone)
• Multiple myeloma (cancer of the blood plasma cells)
• Lymphoma (cancer of the immune system cells)
• Chordoma (cancer inside the spinal column)
• Ewing sarcoma (cancer of the bone and surrounding soft tissues)

Sometimes, spine oncology is used to treat benign spinal tumors, spinal cysts, and tumorlike masses.

How is spinal cancer diagnosed?

If your primary care provider identifies a spinal tumor during an annual exam or other routine checkup, they can refer you to Dr. Sheppard for a specialized diagnosis. Because he’s trained in spine oncology, Dr. Sheppard can determine if the tumor is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and recommend the most effective treatment.

To make these determinations, Dr. Sheppard reviews your medical history, including your doctor’s original findings. He completes a physical exam and orders several diagnostic tests, including imaging (X-rays, an MRI, and a bone scan).

Dr. Sheppard could also order a biopsy, depending on the site and size of your tumor. Sometimes, spinal tumor biopsies require surgery. But if it’s situated just beneath your skin, Dr. Sheppard might be able to collect a sample with a needle.

Once a lab analyzes the tumor and confirms which cancer you have, Dr. Sheppard develops a personalized treatment plan.

How does spine oncology treat spinal tumors?

Dr. Sheppard takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treat spinal tumors. He could suggest:

Surgery

If your tumor is easy to access and you’re in good health, surgery is typically the best option. Dr. Sheppard uses advanced technologies like robotics and radiofrequency (RF) tools to precisely remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Other therapies

Surgery can’t always remove spinal tumors entirely. In those instances, Dr. Sheppard will refer you to an oncologist for radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or some combination of them. He coordinates your care and monitors your treatment.

Contact the office of William Sheppard, MD, today if you’ve been diagnosed with a spinal tumor and need spine oncology. Call or click the online booking feature to schedule your visit.