Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
What Are Spinal Tumors?
A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth that develops 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 it may be benign or malignant. Finding clear answers quickly matters, because early diagnosis gives you more treatment options and better potential outcomes.
These growths 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 in the nerve roots extending from it. While they do not start inside the spinal cord, they can compress it and disrupt its function. Common extramedullary tumors include meningiomas, neurofibromas, schwannomas, and nerve sheath tumors. At NeuroSpine Plus, we evaluate and treat spinal tumors across our six locations in New Jersey, led by board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Scheid.
Any spinal growth carries the risk of debilitating symptoms, from pain and neurological issues to paralysis. A spinal tumor is a condition that can potentially be life-threatening and may result in lasting disability. The team at NeuroSpine Plus provides comprehensive evaluation and care for patients who are managing these complex conditions.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Tumors?
Spinal tumors produce a range of symptoms that escalate as the tumor enlarges and compresses the spinal cord, nerve roots, blood vessels, or vertebral bones. Symptoms include persistent pain at the tumor site, muscle spasms, a stiff neck or back, reduced sensitivity to temperature and pain, difficulty walking, and back pain that may radiate to other regions of the body. As pressure on neural structures increases, you may also notice compromised bowel or bladder control and a noticeable reduction in sensation or muscular strength, particularly in the arms and legs.
When a tumor presses on the spinal cord, it can lead to myelopathy, and pressure on a nerve root can cause radiculopathy. Because these symptoms overlap with other spine conditions, a precise diagnosis is essential. We confirm the cause through a neurological examination and advanced imaging, including MRI and CT scans, before recommending any treatment.
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, though genetic anomalies, whether inherited or acquired during a person's lifetime, are believed to play a role. Certain hereditary syndromes, including neurofibromatosis type 2 and von Hippel-Lindau disease, have been definitively linked to spinal cord tumors. Secondary tumors, by contrast, develop when cancer spreads to the spine from another part of the body. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the bony spinal column is the most common site for bone metastasis, with lung, breast, and prostate cancers among the most frequent sources.
Some spinal tumors also accompany other spine conditions. A growing tumor can weaken vertebrae and contribute to compression fractures, which is one reason a thorough evaluation looks beyond the tumor itself. At NeuroSpine Plus, we focus on accurate diagnosis and individualized spinal tumor treatment to deliver the right care for each patient.
What Are the Treatment Options for Spinal Tumors?
At NeuroSpine Plus, we offer several spinal tumor treatment approaches, each tailored to the patient's tumor type, location, and overall health. Treatment ranges from active monitoring to surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and medication management. The table below summarizes the primary options and when each is typically considered.
| Treatment Approach | How It Works | When It Is Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring | Regular MRI or CT scans track the tumor over time. | Small, stable tumors with no impact on nearby tissue. |
| Surgery | Removal of the tumor while preserving the spinal cord and nerves, often through a laminectomy or corpectomy. | Tumors that can be safely removed. |
| Radiation and Chemotherapy | Targeted radiation or chemical agents hinder cancer cell growth. | Tumors that cannot be fully removed or are high-risk for surgery. |
| Medication Management | Corticosteroids reduce inflammation from the tumor or treatment. | Short-term support alongside other treatments. |
Our surgeons favor minimally invasive techniques wherever the tumor's location and type allow, an approach designed to reduce tissue disruption and support a faster recovery. For a detailed look at surgical options, you can review our spine surgery page.
- 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 six 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. If you are experiencing symptoms of a spinal tumor, you can contact us to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
Our dedicated team at NeuroSpine Plus provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's recovery and long-term spine health.
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: July 24, 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.