Spinal Tumor Surgery: Meningioma, Schwannoma & Metastatic Spine Disease
Spinal tumors fall into two broad groups: tumors that arise from the spinal cord and its coverings (meningiomas, schwannomas, ependymomas), which are usually benign and curable with removal; and metastatic tumors that spread to the vertebrae from a cancer elsewhere, which are treated to relieve pain, protect the spinal cord and stabilize the spine.
Dr. Daggubati’s neuro-oncology training and minimally invasive spine expertise come together here. For metastatic disease, separation surgery combined with radiosurgery, percutaneous stabilization and cement augmentation allow patients to return to their cancer treatment quickly. Read more about intradural spinal tumors and extradural tumors and spinal metastases.
Symptoms
- Back pain that is worse at night or lying flat
- Pain in a band around the chest or abdomen
- Weakness, numbness or stiffness in the legs
- Difficulty walking
- Bladder or bowel changes
How it is diagnosed
MRI of the entire spine with contrast; CT for bone detail; PET or body imaging for staging.
Treatment options
Without surgery
Radiation therapy or radiosurgery, steroids, systemic cancer therapy, bracing.
Surgical options Dr. Daggubati offers
- Microsurgical resection of intradural tumors
- Minimally invasive separation surgery and percutaneous stabilization
- Radiosurgery
Common questions
I have cancer and new back pain. Is this urgent?
It should be evaluated promptly. Pain alone is not an emergency, but new weakness, numbness or bladder changes are, and same-day evaluation is warranted.
Not sure this is you?
Bring your imaging and your story. A single visit usually clarifies what is going on and which options are realistic. Request an appointment or call (301) 718-9611.