Spinal Tumors

What is a Spinal Tumor?

A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or around your spine, either within the vertebrae or near the spinal cord and nerves. Tumors may be primary (starting in the spine) or metastatic (spreading from another part of the body). Their growth speed can vary — some remain slow-growing for years, while others progress more quickly. As they expand, they can press on the spinal cord or nerves and, in some cases, weaken the bone itself, leading to pathologic fractures.

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Tumors?

Common symptoms include persistent back or neck pain, often worse at night or when lying down. Depending on location, you may experience numbness, tingling, weakness in the arms or legs, or changes in walking and balance. If the spinal cord or nerve roots are compressed, symptoms can progress gradually or more rapidly. Some tumors also lead to spinal instability or collapse, which can worsen pain and neurological symptoms.

What are the Treatment Options for Spinal Tumors?

Treatment depends on the tumor’s type, location, and how quickly it’s growing. Options may include observation, radiation therapy, or surgical removal—often combined with spinal stabilization if the tumor has caused a fracture or instability.

When surgery is recommended, we use intraoperative neuromonitoring, which continuously tracks spinal cord and nerve function in real time to help protect critical structures during the operation. In select cases, we also use carbon fiber instrumentation, which provides durable spinal stabilization while allowing for clearer imaging and more precise radiation planning if needed after surgery.

These advanced techniques, combined with minimally invasive and navigation-guided approaches, are designed to maximize safety, precision, and recovery.