Tumor resection

Surgery performed to remove tumors affecting the spine or spinal cord. The goal is to relieve pressure on nerves, maintain spinal stability, and improve function while coordinating care with oncology when needed.

Quick Facts:

  • Used to treat tumors involving the spine or spinal cord
  • May be performed for benign or malignant tumors
  • Often part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan
  • Focuses on both tumor control and preservation of function

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👉 Spine Tumor Surgery Packet

WHAT IS TUMOR RESECTION SURGERY?

Tumor resection surgery involves removing abnormal growths that affect:

  • The vertebrae (bones of the spine)
  • The spinal cord / nerve roots
  • Surrounding soft tissues

Depending on the situation, surgery may:

  • Remove the tumor completely
  • Reduce tumor size (debulking)
  • Relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
  • Stabilize the spine if needed

👉 The approach depends on the type of tumor and its location

WHY IS SURGERY PERFORMED?

Tumor surgery is typically considered when the tumor is causing:

  • Spinal cord or nerve compression
  • Pain that affects function
  • Structural instability
  • Need for tissue diagnosis (biopsy)

👉 In many cases, surgery is part of a coordinated treatment plan with oncology and radiation specialists

TYPES OF SPINE TUMORS TREATED

Primary Spine Tumors

  • Originate in the spine
  • Often rare
  • May be benign or malignant

Metastatic Tumors

  • Spread from another part of the body
  • More common than primary tumors
  • Often associated with cancers such as:
    • Lung
    • Breast
    • Prostate
    • Kidney

👉 Treatment decisions depend on tumor biology, symptoms, and overall health

SYMPTOMS THAT MAY REQUIRE SURGERY

Common Symptoms

  • Persistent back or neck pain
  • Pain that does not improve with rest
  • Night pain

Neurologic Symptoms

  • Weakness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Difficulty walking
  • Loss of coordination

🚨 When Surgery May Be More Urgent

  • Progressive weakness
  • Signs of spinal cord compression
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

👉 These may require urgent surgical evaluation

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. Anesthesia
    • Performed under general anesthesia
  2. Surgical Exposure
    • The spine is accessed based on tumor location
  3. Tumor Removal
    • The tumor is removed completely or partially, depending on the case
  4. Decompression
    • Pressure is relieved from the spinal cord or nerves
  5. Stabilization (If Needed)
    • Instrumentation and fusion may be used to support the spine

👉 The procedure is tailored to balance tumor control and neurologic safety

OUR APPROACH

We focus on coordinated, patient-centered tumor care.

  • Spine tumors require individualized treatment planning
  • We work closely with oncology, radiation oncology, and medical teams
  • Surgical decisions are based on symptoms, stability, and overall health
  • The goal is to relieve symptoms while preserving function and quality of life

👉 Treatment is designed to address both the tumor and the patient’s overall condition

WHAT TO EXPECT

Before Surgery

  • Imaging (MRI, CT)
  • Evaluation of tumor type and extent
  • Coordination with oncology

Day of Surgery

  • Procedure tailored to tumor location and complexity
  • May involve decompression and stabilization

Recovery

  • Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery
  • Focus on mobility and neurologic function
  • Ongoing oncology care may be needed

OUTCOMES & RISKS

Potential Benefits

  • Relief of spinal cord or nerve compression
  • Improved neurologic function
  • Pain reduction
  • Stabilization of the spine
  • Ability to proceed with additional cancer treatments

Risks

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Nerve or spinal cord injury
  • Incomplete tumor removal
  • Need for additional treatment (radiation or chemotherapy)

👉 Outcomes depend on tumor type, stage, and overall health

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is surgery always needed for spine tumors?
No. Some tumors are treated with radiation or observation.

Can tumors be completely removed?
In some cases, yes. In others, partial removal is more appropriate.

Will I need other treatments?
Many patients require coordination with oncology for additional care.

How urgent is this?
Urgency depends on symptoms, especially neurologic involvement.

FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS

  • Refer patients with:
    • Suspected spine tumor
    • Persistent back pain with red flags
    • History of cancer with new spine symptoms
    • Neurologic deficits
  • Imaging:
    • MRI spine with and without contrast urgently
  • Urgent referral for:
    • Spinal cord compression
    • Progressive neurologic deficits
  • Coordination:
    • Oncology and radiation oncology

RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES

NEXT STEPS…

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