When Does a Spinal Tumor Require Surgical Treatment?

Advances in surgical techniques and preoperative diagnostics have greatly enhanced our ability to safely and effectively treat spinal tumors. However, even with these advances, spinal surgery requires extra consideration due to the complex nature of the spine.

The multispecialty team at Coastal Spine, with five New Jersey locations, provides exceptional care for spinal conditions that affect your health, mobility, and overall well-being. Our expertise includes surgical excision of spinal tumors.

Read more about what our team considers when deciding to remove a spinal tumor surgically.

Spinal tumor basics

A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within or surrounding the spinal cord. The tumor could be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Some originate in the spine, while others spread (metastasize) from cancer elsewhere in the body.

These tumors can occur:

• Within the spinal cord (intramedullary)
• In the tissue (meninges) covering the spinal cord
• In the space between the meninges and the spinal bones (extradural)
• In the spinal bones (vertebrae)

Whether cancerous or not, spinal tumors are concerning since one that increases in size can cause significant pain, affect mobility, and reduce your overall quality of life.

Diagnostic and preoperative considerations

Before recommending surgery, your Coastal Spine specialist completes a thorough diagnostic evaluation that may include:

Imaging studies

MRI and CT scans provide detailed spine images, helping to determine the tumor's size, location, and impact on surrounding structures. These studies are crucial in planning the surgical approach.

Biopsy

A tissue sampling (biopsy) of the tumor helps determine its nature (benign or malignant) and type. That helps tailor the treatment plan and anticipate the potential need for additional therapies post-surgery.

Neurological assessment

A comprehensive neurological examination assesses the extent of neurological deficits and helps predict surgery's potential benefits versus risks.

Symptoms that may indicate a need for spinal tumor surgery

The presence of symptoms often plays a crucial role in determining the necessity of surgical intervention.

Symptoms that may prompt the need for surgery include:

Severe pain

Persistent, severe pain in the back or neck that doesn't respond to conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes may indicate the need for surgical intervention.

This pain is often due to the tumor pressing on spinal nerves or other structures.

Neurological deficits

Symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, loss of bowel or bladder control, and other significant neurological impairments are strong indicators for surgery.

These symptoms suggest the tumor is affecting the spinal cord or nerve roots, necessitating removal to prevent further damage.

Tumor growth

Rapidly growing tumors, whether benign or malignant, can cause increasing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to progressive neurological deficits and severe pain.

In such cases, surgical removal is often necessary to alleviate pressure and prevent irreversible nerve damage.

Our Coastal Spine surgeons are skilled in modern techniques that have significantly improved the outcomes of spinal tumor surgeries, including minimally invasive procedures. 

We’re also committed to supporting you throughout the decision-making process and your recovery following the procedure.

Schedule an evaluation today by calling the nearest office or requesting an appointment online.