Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
What Are Spinal Tumors?
A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth that forms within the spinal canal or the bones of the spine, classified as either intramedullary (inside the spinal cord) or extramedullary (outside the spinal cord), and may be benign or malignant.
These growths can be a serious health concern and require careful medical care. Intramedullary tumors originate from cells within the spinal cord, with notable types including gliomas, astrocytomas, and ependymomas. Extramedullary tumors occur in the membranes around the spinal cord or nerve roots extending from it. While they do not start inside the spinal cord, they can impinge on its functionality through compression. Common extramedullary tumors are meningiomas, neurofibromas, schwannomas, and nerve sheath tumors.
Any spinal growth bears the risk of debilitating symptoms, from pain and neurological issues to paralysis. The presence of a spinal tumor is a matter that can potentially be life-threatening and may result in lasting disability. The team at NeuroSpine Plus provides comprehensive evaluation and care for patients navigating these complex conditions.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Tumors?
Spinal tumors manifest a variety of symptoms which escalate as the tumors enlarge. These growths can impinge on your spinal cord or the related nerve roots, circulatory structures, or vertebral bones. Symptoms include persistent pain at the location of the tumor, muscle spasms, stiff neck or back, diminished sensitivity to temperature and pain, difficulty walking, persistent back pain that may extend to other regions of your body, compromised control over bowel or bladder functions, and noticeable reduction in sensation or muscular strength, particularly affecting the upper and lower limbs.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we emphasize the importance of professional evaluation and management of these symptoms to assist in mitigating their impact on your quality of life.
What Are the Causes of Spinal Tumors?
The cause of spinal tumors is not fully understood. Research suggests genetic anomalies may play a role, whether inherited or acquired during one’s lifetime. While there is still uncertainty, certain hereditary syndromes like neurofibromatosis 2 and von Hippel-Lindau disease have been definitively linked to spinal cord tumors. At NeuroSpine Plus, we are dedicated to advancing research and improving spinal tumor treatment to provide the best care for our patients.
What Are the Treatment Options for Spinal Tumors?
At NeuroSpine Plus, we offer several spinal tumor treatment approaches, tailored to each patient’s unique situation.
- Monitoring Strategy
In some cases, when tumors show no signs of progression or impact on nearby tissues, we may choose to monitor them closely using regular CT or MRI scans.
- Surgery
Surgery is preferred for tumors that can be safely removed while preserving the spinal cord and nerves. Depending on the tumor’s location and extent, procedures may include a laminectomy for decompression or a corpectomy for more extensive cases requiring vertebral body removal.
- Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy
For tumors that cannot be fully removed or are deemed high-risk for surgery, we employ radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may also be considered, either alone or in combination with radiation therapy, to hinder cancer cell growth.
- Comprehensive Medication Management
Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation caused by surgery, radiation therapy, or the tumor itself. We aim for short-term use to minimize side effects.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus focuses on minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across eight convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical experience in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.
Our dedicated team at NeuroSpine Plus provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's journey to recovery.
Spinal Tumors FAQ
Spinal tumors are typically diagnosed through a combination of neurological examination and advanced imaging studies such as MRI scans, CT scans, and sometimes a biopsy to determine the tumor type. Your neurosurgeon will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to accurately diagnose and classify the tumor.
No, not all spinal tumors are cancerous. Spinal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Even benign tumors can cause serious symptoms if they compress the spinal cord or nerves, requiring treatment.
The ability to completely remove a spinal tumor depends on its location, size, type, and relationship to surrounding neural structures. Some tumors can be completely removed surgically, while others may only be partially removed to preserve spinal cord function. Dr. Scheid will discuss the best approach for your situation.
Recovery time varies significantly depending on the tumor’s location, the extent of surgery required, and your overall health. Some patients may begin walking within days, while others require weeks to months of rehabilitation. Your surgical team will provide a personalized recovery timeline based on your procedure.
Many patients benefit from physical therapy following spinal tumor treatment, particularly after surgery. Physical therapy can help restore strength, improve mobility, and support your return to daily activities. Your treatment team will recommend appropriate rehabilitation based on your needs.
Long-term outcomes depend on numerous factors including tumor type, location, treatment approach, and how early the tumor was detected. Many patients with benign tumors have excellent outcomes, while outcomes for malignant tumors vary. Regular follow-up care is essential for monitoring and managing your condition.
Some spinal tumors can recur after treatment, particularly certain types of malignant tumors. Regular follow-up imaging and examinations are important for detecting any recurrence early. Your care team will establish a monitoring schedule appropriate for your tumor type.
Growth rates vary widely depending on the tumor type. Some tumors grow very slowly over years, while others can grow more rapidly. This is why prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment planning are important when a spinal tumor is discovered.
Post-operative pain is common but manageable with appropriate pain management strategies. Many patients experience significant relief from their pre-surgical symptoms, though some surgical discomfort is expected during recovery. Your surgical team will provide comprehensive pain management support.
Follow-up care typically includes regular imaging studies (MRI or CT scans) to monitor for recurrence, neurological examinations to assess function, and ongoing management of any symptoms. The frequency and duration of follow-up depend on your tumor type and treatment. Your care team will create a personalized follow-up schedule.
If you have concerns about spinal tumors or are experiencing symptoms, contact NeuroSpine Plus today at 201-399-3388 or visit their website to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Scheid.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: March 3, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.