Corpectomy of three cervical vertebral bodies for malignant tumours--a study of two cases

The increased detection rate of spinal tumours is due to more precise methods used for imaging the spinal column and better survival of cancer patients. It is therefore associated with greater incidence of metastatic complications. Primary tumours of the spine, both malignant and benign, are very rare. Histopathological confirmation is a prerequisite of correct treatment. Two patients with pain in the neck area, progressive paresis, breathing disorders and dysphagia were admitted to our hospital. In the first patient, a 78-year-old woman, imaging examinations revealed a large exophytic tumour originating from C5-C7 vertebrae and compressing other neck structures. In view of the progressive paresis and dyspnoea, we decided to perform surgical resection of the tumour without a prior biopsy. We used the Southwick and Robinson approach on the right side and the tumour was removed together with damaged vertebral bodies, which were replaced by an implant. The next stage of the treatment involved stabilisation of the spine from C3 to Th2. Histopathological evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of chordoma. The second patient was a 73-year-old man. Imaging examinations revealed destruction of the C6 to Th1 vertebral bodies by a tumour with pathological fractures and compression of the spinal canal. The tumour was approached from the left side and removed according to the method presented by Southwick and Robinson. The removed vertebral bodies were replaced with implants. The spine was stabilised in the second stage of treatment. A diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma was confirmed by a histopathological examination. Tumours located in the cervical spine, especially at the C7-Th1 level, cause considerable diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Southwick and Robinson's anterior approach allows for good exposure of vertebral bodies down to the Th2 level.