Diagnosis and Therapy of Spinal Tumors

Abstract

The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.Product liability: The publishers cannot guarantee the accuracy of anr information about dosage and application contained in this book. In every individual case the user must check such information by consulting the relevant literature. Cover design: de'blik, Berlin Typesetting: Verlagsservice Teichmann, Mauer SPIN,10111594 21/3135 -5 4 3 210 -Printed on acid-free paper ForewordSpinal Tumors are relatively rare conditions, but they present distinct and specific clinical and radiological features.Modern radiological imaging techniques, especially the new cross-sectional methods such as CT and magnetic resonance imaging, allows us nowadays to depict the exact localization and extent of these lesions more clearly. Moreover, the specific findings of these different morphological diagnostic modalities yield deeper insight into the exact nature of these tumors and their differential diagnosis.During the past few years, important progress in the therapy of spinal tumors has been achieved. Information about these new developments, however, is disseminated throughout the medical literature and scattered across the different medical disciplines. Furthermore, opinions regarding the best diagnostic approach and/or therapy are not always concordant.The editors of this book should be congratulated to bringing together several international authorities with particular expertise in the diagnosis and the treatment of spinal tumors.Together, these authors provide a complete overview of the currently prevailing diagnostic algorithms and therapeutic strategies for spinal tumors.The book will therefore suit excellently the needs of all physicans involved in the management of patients which such tumors: neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and radiologists. It will be of particular interest to radiologists, who are nowadays responsible not only for the diagnosis of these tumors but also, in some cases, for their non-surgical treatment.Leuven ALBERT L. BAERT PrefaceMany different opinions exist on the diagnostic workup and, particularly, on the therapy of spinal tumors. For instance, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment of spinal compression caused by vertebral metastases.With the advent of new imaging techniques (MRI) and therapeutic regimens, an up-to-date reference work is needed. This book is the first of its kind in that it offers an overview of the opinions of internationally renowned specialists. The editors hope this publication will help to establish rational imaging and therapy protocols for spinal tumors.Alkmaar Amsterdam Amsterdam