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At Advanced Neurosurgery, our fellowship-trained, board-certified spine specialists in Reno and Carson City, Nevada, have unique high-level skills in treating spinal tumors of all types.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a spinal tumor, we have effective solutions available that may or may not involve needing surgery. Knowing when surgery is necessary is a crucial first step toward relief and recovery.
What is a spinal tumor?
A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth that develops inside or around the spinal cord or vertebrae. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), spinal tumors account for around 15% of all central nervous system tumors.
These tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). In up to 70% of people with cancer, the disease spreads to the spine, regardless of where it originates.
However, just because a tumor is noncancerous doesn't mean it's problem-free. For example, benign tumors can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, causing intense pain, numbness, weakness, and other disruptive symptoms. Mobility and balance challenges may occur if a spinal tumor is left untreated.
When does a spinal tumor require surgery?
Our surgeons may recommend surgery when a tumor causes nerve compression, severe pain, or neurological changes that interfere with daily life.
The decision depends on the tumor’s size, type, and location, as well as your overall health and symptoms. Examples of when you could need surgery include:
The tumor is changing on imaging scans
When imaging tests show that a tumor is growing or changing shape, your surgeon may advise surgery to prevent nerve damage or spinal cord compression. Removing the tumor early can often prevent irreversible neurological symptoms.
The tumor threatens spinal stability
If the spinal tumor weakens vertebrae or disrupts spinal alignment, you could need surgery to stabilize your spine and stop the problems from progressing. In these cases, your surgeon may recommend a procedure such as spinal fusion.
A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis
Sometimes, imaging alone can’t determine if a tumor is benign or malignant. In a surgical biopsy, your surgeon collects a tissue sample (or, if possible, the entire tumor). They can then analyze that tissue to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant and plan proper treatment.
The tumor is malignant
Cancerous tumors often require removal as soon as possible to prevent further spread or damage to surrounding tissues. Our doctors use advanced surgical tools and state-of-the-art imaging to remove these tumors with high precision.
The main goal of surgery is to safely remove as much of the tumor as possible while protecting the spinal cord and preserving nerve function. Recovery and long-term outcomes depend on early diagnosis and expert surgical care.
What types of surgery are used for spinal tumors?
Thanks to advances in technology, our experienced surgeons at Advanced Neurosurgery often treat spinal tumors using minimally invasive spine surgery. These techniques involve smaller incisions and less disruption of surrounding tissues, often resulting in quicker recoveries and less postsurgical pain.
For complex or malignant tumors, our surgeons may perform specialized spine tumor resections using advanced imaging and microsurgical tools.
In some cases, regenerative medicine treatments may help promote healing and strengthen the spine after tumor removal. For example, advanced regenerative medicine treatments for brain and spinal cord tumors are now moving through a fast-tracked FDA-approval process.
This means that there's great promise for the future, and our team is proud to be at the forefront of regenerative medicine innovations in neurosurgery.
What happens after spinal tumor surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the tumor’s size, location, and the type of surgery performed. Some patients notice relief from pain or neurological symptoms soon after surgery. Our surgeons recommend customized rehabilitation and physical therapy protocols to restore function and mobility.
Regular follow-ups and imaging help ensure the tumor doesn't return — and if it does, we're ready to treat it immediately.
If you’re experiencing persistent back or nerve pain, it’s important to have it evaluated by a spine specialist at Advanced Neurosurgery. Request an appointment today: Call or text us at 775.323.6100.