Common Diagnosis
Spinal Cord Tumor
Spinal cord tumors are usually benign in adults and malignant in children. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary team and careful assessment of location, growth, and symptoms.
Overview
Spinal cord tumors are usually benign in adults and malignant in children under age eighteen. The incidence of having a spinal cord tumor is very low, but possible. Patients will most commonly present with a neurologic deficit of the lower extremities, either unilateral or bilateral. In severe cases, patients will present with urinary retention for at least twelve hours or greater. This can also be associated with numbness in the groin area.
Most spinal cord tumors are resectable and, if benign, are only removed if they are causing symptoms. Benign tumors such as schwannomas are removed if they are compressing a nerve or clearly growing in subsequent imaging studies. Most benign tumors are observed until they become symptomatic or clearly grow by serial imaging.
Removing a tumor can be difficult and depends on the location. The spinal cord ends at the level of L1-2 and then continues as nerve roots or the cauda equina. Tumors above L1-2 are in the spinal cord itself and carry significant risk during resection. Tumors below L1-2 pose less risk, since they are attached to a nerve root.
Symptoms
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Causes
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When to see a specialist
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Non surgical treatment options
We offer comprehensive non surgical treatment plans tailored to each patient's condition, focused on pain relief, mobility improvement, and overall spinal health. While we do not perform these treatments in house, we collaborate with trusted local specialists to ensure you receive the highest level of care.
Physical therapy
We develop personalized physical therapy prescriptions based on your specific needs and refer you to experienced local providers. These programs are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and posture, helping to reduce pain and enhance mobility while promoting long term spinal health.
Epidural injections
For patients who may benefit from epidural steroid injections, we provide expert evaluations and referrals to trusted local physicians who specialize in pain management. These injections can reduce inflammation and nerve related pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis, offering significant relief with minimal downtime.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture
Chiropractic care can help patients with leg pain as a component of their condition. Acupuncture works best in the presence of severe muscle spasms. Both are considered alongside physical therapy and medication as part of a comprehensive conservative plan.
Surgical options
Patients are initially evaluated by a physiatrist to ensure all non surgical options, including physical therapy and non narcotic pain management, are exhausted before considering a surgical solution.
Lumbar tumor resection
Also known as a minimally invasive lateral approach, this technique removes tumors in the lumbar spine while preserving spinal stability. It is most commonly performed at the L2-3, L3-4, and sometimes L4-5 levels. Surgeons have seen success with this procedure for tumor removal with minimal disruption to surrounding muscles and structures.
Treating spinal cord tumors is complex and requires extensive workup and counseling with the patient and family. The risks of surgery, in addition to the risk of any cancer, can be significant and require input from a team of providers in medicine, oncology, radiation oncology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation medicine.
Recovery
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Sources and further reading
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Our clinical team explains Spinal Cord Tumor using your history, examination, and imaging. Symptoms vary by nerve or spinal cord involvement. An accurate diagnosis guides whether conservative care or surgery is the safest next step.
Symptoms may include neck or back pain, arm or leg pain, numbness, weakness, or balance changes when the spinal cord is involved. Severity and duration help determine urgency and treatment options.
Evaluation usually includes a neurological examination and MRI. X ray or CT may assess bone alignment. We correlate imaging with your symptoms before recommending injections, therapy, or surgery.
Physical therapy, medication, activity modification, and selective injections are common first steps. We monitor progress over four to eight weeks and escalate only when symptoms persist or neurologic deficits progress.
Seek urgent care for rapidly worsening weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle anesthesia, or severe pain after trauma. Call (914) 948 3008 for guidance if you are unsure how quickly to be seen.
Get in touch
Contact us today.
Office
Institute For Spine Surgery244 Westchester Avenue, Suite 209
West Harrison, NY 10604
Phone
(914) 948 3008Start your recovery
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