Spine Tumor Surgery

A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord and/or spinal column. These cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, seemingly unchecked by the mechanisms that control normal cells. Spinal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Primary tumors originate in the spine or spinal cord, and metastatic or secondary tumors result from cancer spreading from another site to the spine. Spinal tumors may be referred to by the region of the spine in which they occur. These basic areas are cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacrum. Additionally, they also are classified by their location in the spine into three major groups: intradural-extramedullary, intramedullary and extradural.

Metastatic Spine Tumor Surgery

If you have a metastatic spine tumor (a tumor in the spine that began elsewhere in your body), some surgical procedures can help stabilize your spine, reduce pain, prevent paralysis, and increase mobility. These are two of the most common metastatic spine tumor surgeries:

Spinal Cord Decompression: This technique relieves pressure on your spinal cord and nerve roots. Decompression also creates enough space so that you can receive high-dose radiation without risking injury to your spinal cord.

Spinal Instrumentation: Your surgeon attaches pedicle screws and rods to your spine to redistribute stress on and align your bones. This technique is usually used if you have significant spinal cord compression, a collapsed vertebra, or a burst fracture that kyphoplasty can’t repair. When possible, your surgeons will use specially designed screws, a less-invasive technique.