Spinal Tumor Surgery

Spinal tumor surgery is a procedure to remove abnormal growths (tumors) located in or around the spinal cord or spine. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and the goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, preserve neurological function, and, when possible, remove the tumor entirely.

Types of Spinal Tumors

1. Intramedullary – Inside the spinal cord (e.g., ependymomas, astrocytomas)

2. Extramedullary-Intradural – Outside the spinal cord but within the dura (e.g., meningiomas, schwannomas)

3. Extradural – Outside the dura, often involving the vertebrae (e.g., metastatic tumors

Goals of Surgery

• • Remove as much of the tumor as safely possible
  • Relieve spinal cord or nerve compression
  • Stabilize the spine if it’s structurally compromised
  • Reduce pain and improve mobility

Common Surgical Techniques

• • Laminectomy – Removes part of the vertebra to access the tumor
  • Vertebrectomy – Removes a vertebra if the tumor has invaded bone
  • Spinal Fusion – Stabilizes the spine using bone grafts and hardware
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques – Smaller incisions, less trauma, quicker recovery

Risks and Considerations

• • Nerve damage or spinal cord injury
  • Infection or bleeding
  • Incomplete tumor removal
  • Spinal instability
  • Recovery time varies depending on tumor type and surgery complexity

Recovery Process

• • Hospital stay: 2–10 days depending on surgery extent
  • Physical therapy is often required
  • Return to daily activities: Several weeks to months
  • Ongoing monitoring with MRI to detect recurrence

Spinal tumor surgery is complex and requires a skilled neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon. Always seek treatment from a multidisciplinary team experienced in spinal oncology.