Spine Tumour Surgery

What is a Spinal Tumor?

A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass of cell growth that develops either inside or outside of your spinal column and spinal cord. Tumors can be:

• Benign (noncancerous)
• Malignant (cancerous)

They may occur:

• Inside the spinal cord (intramedullary)
• In the meninges covering the spinal cord (intradural-extramedullary)
• Between the vertebrae and meninges (extradural)
• Within the spine’s bones (vertebral tumors)

Primary vs Secondary Tumors

• Primary spinal tumors originate in the spine/spinal cord
• Metastatic (secondary) spinal tumors spread from other body parts

Symptoms

• Abnormal gait
• Loss of spatial orientation
• Numbness, tingling
• Weakness, paralysis
• Difficulty walking in darkness
• Mid-back pain
• Night pain
• Loss of bowel/bladder control

Types of Spinal Tumors

1. Intradural-extramedullary tumors (~40%)
2. Intramedullary tumors (~5%)
3. Extradural tumors (~55%)

Diagnosis

• Physical and neurological examination
• Tests: Blood tests, X-ray, PET scan, CT scan, Bone scan, PET-CT

Treatment Options

1. Monitoring

For asymptomatic or small tumors not causing pressure or growing.

2. Surgery

Preferred for removable tumors with manageable risk.

• Microsurgery improves tumor removal and nerve preservation
• Ultrasound may be used to break up tumor

3. Radiation Therapy

• For tumor remnants post-surgery
• For inoperable or high-risk tumors
• Doses can be modified (e.g. 3D conformal radiation)
• Side effects (nausea, vomiting) may occur but can be managed

4. Chemotherapy

• Used alone or with radiation to stop tumor cell growth
• Effectiveness varies based on tumor type

5. Corticosteroids

Used temporarily to reduce inflammation post-surgery or during radiation

• Long-term use can cause side effects like:
  • Muscle loss
  • Osteoporosis
  • Diabetes
  • High BP
  • Infection risk

Factors Affecting Spine Tumor Surgery Cost in India

• Type & complexity of surgery (MIS vs open)
• Hospital reputation & location
• Surgeon’s qualifications
• Tumor type (benign or malignant) and stage
• Need for ICU care
• Type of hospital room
• Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, biopsy, blood tests)

Choosing a Hospital for Spine Tumor Surgery

• Certifications & accreditations
• Location and transport options
• Advanced diagnostic equipment
• Availability of international patient services

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a link between brain and spinal tumors?
A: Yes, both originate in the central nervous system and have similar cancer types.

Q: How important is radiation for spinal tumors?
A: Very important for malignant or inoperable tumors. Used in a small percentage of cases.