Safe Removal of Spinal Tumors
A spinal tumor is a mass of irregular cells that has grown within or surrounding the spinal column. While most people associate tumors with cancer, many are found to be benign, or non-cancerous. However, whether a spinal tumor is cancerous or not, it may cause a number of problems, including back pain and muscle weakness. At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, we offer removal of spinal tumors to our Austin, TX patients through spine surgery.
Spine surgery is a complex procedure that focuses on a delicate area of the body, so it is important to work with a skilled surgical team. We take advantage of the most advanced technology and utilize minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible to ensure that every surgical procedure performed at our practice is safe and effective.
Symptoms of a Spinal Tumor
As a spinal tumor grows, it places pressure on the spinal cord, nerve roots, blood vessels, and bones of the spinal column. This compression causes a number of uncomfortable side effects that will only worsen as the tumor grows. Some of the most common side effects of a spinal tumor include the following:
- Back pain that is likely to radiate down to the hips, legs, and feet
- Loss of sensation, or muscle weakness in the legs, arms, or chest
- Difficulty walking
- Partial paralysis that may affect different areas of the body depending on the location of the tumor
- Loss of bowel or bladder functions
- Scoliosis, or other spinal deformities
If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to see a doctor to determine if a spinal tumor is present. Spine surgery is an effective means of treating benign and cancerous spinal tumors, and is the most effective way to eliminate uncomfortable symptoms.
Removal of Spinal Tumors
Spine surgery is a common treatment for benign spinal tumors. Spine surgery may also be necessary in the treatment of cancerous tumors if radiation or chemotherapy fail to provide the desired results. When performing spine surgery for the removal of a spinal tumor, it is important to avoid damaging surrounding tissues, bone, and nerve cells. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a small amount of bone along with the tumor, but this will only be done if the bone has been damaged by the tumor. In these situations, the spinal cord will be reinforced to prevent long-term damage or weakness.
Each spinal tumor removal surgery will be unique and customized to meet the individual needs of the patient. However, in every situation, we will use advanced technology and techniques to minimize the surgical risks for our patients and shorten the recovery period that is necessary after surgery. While each surgery is unique, we will utilize the following surgical advances whenever possible:
- Computer navigation techniques
- Endoscopic procedures
- Minimally invasive surgery
Contact Us
At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, we have an experienced team of doctors, each with its own specialty area. If you are experiencing severe back pain and would like to learn more about the treatment options available at our practice, we invite you to contact us at your earliest convenience.
