Suggest Treatment For Growth Near Spine

Posted on Thu, 22 May 2014

Question: I have been told I have a growth near my spine. One octor wants to treat it with a series of radiation, approximately 5 to 7 over a 2 week period. Another doctor says this won't help, and that I should have surgery to remove the growth. I am 74yrs old, sedentary life style and not looking forward to a stay in the hospital. I don't know who to believe?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCm

Detailed Answer:
It depends on what kind of growth it is. If this is malignant tumor then it must be treated aggressively. Radiation is less aggressive procedure but it also less efficient while surgery may sound bad,but it could remove this growth completely. Radiation is in most cases just palliative and it means that it cant cure you completely. You should decide what is best for you no matter how difficult it may be to stay in hospital for week or 2. Wish you good health. Feel free to ask. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar