Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that develop within or around the spinal cord and its surrounding structures.
They may be benign or malignant, and can arise from the spinal cord itself (intramedullary), from its coverings (intradural–extramedullary), or from the vertebrae (extradural).
Although rare, these tumors can cause pain, weakness, sensory loss, and gait imbalance.
With modern MRI imaging, neuromonitoring, and microsurgical techniques, most spinal tumors can be removed safely while preserving spinal stability and neurological function.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the tumor’s type, size, and location along the spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar).
They usually progress gradually, but sometimes appear suddenly due to bleeding or rapid growth.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent back or neck pain, often worse at night
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness, clumsiness, or difficulty walking
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction (in advanced cases)
- Radicular pain (sharp, shooting pain radiating to limbs)
Early diagnosis is key — once spinal cord compression occurs, recovery becomes more difficult.
Diagnosis
MRI of the entire spine is the gold standard for detecting spinal tumors and determining their extent.
Contrast-enhanced MRI distinguishes tumor type and helps plan surgery.
CT scans can show bone involvement or vertebral erosion.
In certain cases, biopsy is performed to confirm the tumor’s nature (e.g., metastasis vs. benign lesion).
Neurophysiological monitoring and 3D neuronavigation are used for safe and precise surgery.
Common Tumor Types
1. Intradural–Extramedullary Tumors
- Meningioma and nerve sheath tumors (schwannoma, neurofibroma)
- Usually benign and slow-growing
- Surgical removal often leads to complete cure with minimal risk
2. Intramedullary Tumors
- Ependymoma and astrocytoma arise within the spinal cord
- Require delicate microsurgical resection under neuro-monitoring
- Goal: maximal safe removal without damaging motor or sensory tracts
3. Extradural Tumors
- Often metastatic lesions from lung, breast, prostate, or kidney cancers
- Can cause spinal cord compression and instability
- Managed with decompression and stabilization, plus radiotherapy or systemic treatment
Treatment Options
1. Microsurgical Resection
The primary treatment for most benign and accessible spinal tumors.
Performed under microscope with intraoperative monitoring (MEP, SSEP) to protect nerve function.
In most cases, complete removal is achieved through a small laminotomy rather than full laminectomy.
2. Spinal Stabilization
For tumors involving bone, spinal fixation (using screws and rods) restores stability and prevents deformity or paralysis.
3. Adjuvant Therapy
Postoperative radiotherapy or radiosurgery may be indicated for malignant or incompletely resected tumors.
Chemotherapy is reserved for metastatic or systemic disease.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Most patients notice improvement in pain and strength shortly after surgery.
Hospital stay is typically 3–5 days, followed by physiotherapy.
Regular MRI follow-up is performed at 6 months, 1 year, and then yearly to monitor recurrence or stability.
Early mobilization and spinal precautions accelerate recovery and reduce complications.
When to See a Neurosurgeon
If you experience unexplained back pain, leg weakness, numbness, or urinary changes, seek early neurosurgical evaluation.
Timely diagnosis and microsurgical intervention can prevent permanent neurological damage.