Spinal Cord Tumor

A spinal cord tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or next to the spinal cord that can press on the cord and its nerves. It can be cancerous or noncancerous, but even “benign” tumors can cause serious problems by squeezing the spinal cord.

1) What is this condition?

A mass grows within the cord itself, on its surface, or in the space around it inside the spine canal.
As it enlarges, it can cause neck or back pain, weakness, numbness, trouble walking, and changes in bladder or bowel control, usually affecting areas below the tumor.

2) How serious is it?

It is potentially serious because ongoing pressure can permanently damage the spinal cord if not treated.
Some tumors grow slowly and are found early; others grow faster or spread from other cancers and can be life‑threatening.

3) Non‑surgical treatments

Careful observation with regular MRI scans for small, slow‑growing tumors that cause few or no symptoms.
Radiation therapy (standard or focused) to shrink or slow tumors that cannot be safely removed, or to treat remaining tumor after surgery.
Chemotherapy or targeted drugs for certain tumor types (for example, some spinal gliomas or lymphomas), often combined with radiation.
Medicines and rehabilitation to manage pain, stiffness, spasticity, and bladder/bowel problems.

4) Types of surgery that may be necessary

Microsurgical removal (resection) of the tumor using an operating microscope to separate it from the cord and nerves as safely as possible.
Decompression plus stabilization if the tumor involves bone and has weakened the spine, sometimes adding screws, rods, and bone graft.
For metastatic (spread) tumors that severely compress the cord, surgery may be more limited and focused on quickly relieving pressure (palliative decompression).

5) Goals of surgery vs non‑surgical care

Non‑surgical goals:
- Control or slow growth, reduce pain, and preserve function when surgery is too risky or cannot remove the tumor completely.
- Monitor stable, low‑risk tumors and avoid unnecessary procedures.
Surgery goals:
- Remove as much tumor as safely possible, relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, and obtain tissue for an exact diagnosis.
- Prevent further neurologic decline and, when possible, improve strength, sensation, and walking.

6) How surgery can “fix” the problem

The surgeon opens the spine canal, carefully peels tumor away from the cord and nerves, and removes it in pieces or as one block depending on type and location.
By removing the mass, pressure on the cord drops immediately, which can stop further damage and allow some function to return over time.
If bone is removed to gain access, hardware and bone graft may be placed to keep the spine stable.

7) Risks of surgery (general and specific)

General risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots, lung or heart problems, and anesthesia complications.
Tumor‑specific:
- New or worsened weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel dysfunction if the cord or nerves are injured during removal.
- Spinal fluid leak, which may need repair and can increase infection risk.
- Hardware failure or spinal instability if extensive bone is removed.

8) Chances this surgery will work

Many intradural, extramedullary tumors (for example, meningiomas and some nerve‑sheath tumors) can be completely removed with good long‑term control and significant symptom improvement.
Intramedullary tumors (within the cord, such as some gliomas) are harder to remove fully; surgery often aims for maximal safe removal, followed by radiation or chemo if needed.
Outcomes are generally better when surgery is done before severe, long‑standing neurologic deficits develop.

9) Possible complications from the surgery

Short‑term: wound infection, bleeding or hematoma, spinal fluid leak, urinary or lung complications.
Long‑term: persistent neuropathic pain, weakness, sensory loss, bladder/bowel issues, tumor recurrence, or need for further surgery or radiation.

10) Typical recovery from the condition

Without effective treatment, many spinal cord tumors continue to grow, causing progressive pain, weakness, imbalance, and bowel/bladder problems that may become permanent.
With appropriate therapy (surgery and/or radiation/chemo), progression can often be stopped, and some function can be regained, though full recovery is not always possible.

11) Typical recovery after surgery

First days: hospital monitoring, pain control, and early assisted walking; neurologic status is checked frequently.
Weeks to months: outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation to work on strength, balance, walking, and daily activities; radiation or chemo may be added based on tumor type.
Neurologic recovery, if it occurs, often unfolds over 3–12 months, with the fastest gains in the first several months.

12) How long in the hospital

Many uncomplicated spinal cord tumor surgeries require about 3–7 days in hospital; older patients or those with complications may need longer.
If there is significant weakness or complex rehab needs, transfer to an inpatient rehabilitation facility may follow.

13) Long‑term outlook

Benign, completely removed tumors often have excellent local control and good functional outcomes, though periodic scans are needed.
Malignant or metastatic tumors have a more guarded outlook, and long‑term survival depends largely on the underlying cancer type and spread.
Many people live for years after treatment, with varying degrees of residual symptoms; ongoing rehab and cancer care are often key.

14) Need for outpatient follow‑up

Regular visits with neurosurgery, oncology, and rehab specialists to assess neurologic function, manage symptoms, and coordinate further treatment.
Periodic MRI scans to watch for tumor recurrence or growth of any remaining tumor.
Long‑term physical and occupational therapy, plus pain and bladder/bowel management as needed, to maintain independence and quality of life.