Home
PG College
Patient Login
International patients
Contact Us
Emergency
Download Reports
Spine Tumor Treatment in Pune
Get expert spinal tumor treatment in Pune with spine surgeons providing surgical removal, decompression, and post-operative rehabilitation for recovery.
Overview
A spinal cord tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that forms within or around the spinal cord and spine bones. Think of your spinal cord as a highway that carries important messages between your brain and the rest of your body. When a tumor grows in this area, it can block or damage these vital communication pathways.
Spinal cord tumors can be grouped in different ways. First, they can be benign (non-cancerous and slow-growing) or malignant (cancerous and more aggressive). Second, they can be primary tumors that start in the spine itself, or secondary tumors that spread from cancer in other parts of the body. Interestingly, less than 10% of all types of spinal tumors actually begin in the spine – most come from cancer that has spread from elsewhere.
The location of the tumor is also important for understanding spinal cord tumor types:
- Intramedullary tumors grow inside the spinal cord tissue itself (2-5% of all spinal tumors)
- Intradural-extramedullary tumors grow inside the protective covering around the spinal cord but outside the cord itself
- Extradural tumors grow outside the protective covering, often in the spine bones (most common type)
Symptoms
Spinal tumor symptoms can vary greatly depending on where the tumor is located, how big it is, and how fast it’s growing. Some tumors may not cause any noticeable problems at first, but as they grow larger, they begin to press on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
The most common sign is back pain that gets worse at night. This pain may spread to other parts of your body, such as your arms or legs.
Other spinal cord tumor symptoms include:
- Weakness or inability to move parts of your body
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in your arms, legs, or other areas
- Trouble walking or changes in how you walk
- Muscle weakness that gets worse over time
- Loss of control over your bladder or bowel movements (usually happens in later stages)
These symptoms often start in the area near the tumor and can spread to other parts of your body as the tumor grows. Tumors that have spread from other cancers tend to cause symptoms more quickly, while primary tumors may develop symptoms slowly over months or years.
Causes
The exact spinal tumor causes for primary tumors (those that start in the spine) are not fully understood. However, most spinal tumors are actually secondary tumors, meaning they started as cancer somewhere else in the body and then spread to the spine.
Common cancers that often spread to the spine include:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Kidney cancer
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop a spinal cord tumor, certain factors may increase your chances. The most well-known risk factors involve inherited genetic conditions.
Genetic conditions that increase risk include:
- Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2): This inherited condition significantly increases the risk of developing tumors in the nervous system, including certain types in the spine
- Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease: This rare inherited condition can lead to tumors and cysts in various body parts, including the spinal cord
It’s important to know that most people who develop primary spinal tumors have no known risk factors. For secondary spinal tumors, the main risk factor is having cancer somewhere else in your body that could potentially spread.
Diagnosis
Getting a spinal tumor diagnosis can sometimes be challenging because the symptoms can be similar to other, more common back problems. Your doctor will start with a thorough physical examination and test your reflexes, muscle strength, and ability to feel sensations.
Several imaging tests are essential for confirming whether you have a spinal tumor:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the best test for seeing spinal tumors. It can show the tumor’s size, location, and how it affects nearby tissues
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: This provides detailed pictures of the bone structures and can show changes in the spine
- X-rays: While not great for detecting tumors directly, X-rays can help rule out other problems like fractures
- Bone Scan: This test uses a small amount of radioactive material to find areas where bones are growing abnormally
Sometimes, doctors may need to take a small sample of the tumor (called a biopsy) to determine exactly what type it is and plan the best treatment.
Types
Spinal cord tumor types can be classified by their location and what kind of cells they come from. Here are the main types of spinal tumors:
Primary Tumors (start in the spine):
- Ependymoma: Common tumors that grow slowly inside the spinal cord, usually in the center
- Astrocytoma: Can be slow-growing or more aggressive, often don’t have clear borders
- Hemangioblastoma: Grow from blood vessels and often form cysts
- Schwannoma: Usually benign tumors that grow from nerve coverings
- Meningioma: Grow from the protective membranes around the spinal cord
- Neurofibroma: Benign tumors that grow from nerve cells
- Lipoma: Non-cancerous fatty growths
Secondary Tumors (spread from other cancers): These are much more common and usually grow in the bones of the spine. They come from cancers that started in organs like the breast, lung, prostate, or kidney.
Treatment
Spinal tumor treatment depends on many factors, including the type and location of the tumor, whether it’s cancerous, and your overall health. A team of different specialists usually works together to create a treatment plan just for you.
Spinal cord tumor treatment options include:
Surgery (spinal tumor surgery): The main goal is often to remove as much of the tumor as possible. This can relieve pressure on your spinal cord and improve symptoms. Some tumors can be completely removed, while others can only be partially removed due to their location.
Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors. This might be used after surgery or as the main treatment if surgery isn’t possible.
Chemotherapy: Cancer-fighting drugs that can be given through an IV or taken by mouth. Often used for malignant tumors or those that have spread.
Targeted Therapy: Newer treatments that target specific molecules involved in tumor growth.
Other Procedures: Special techniques to strengthen weakened spine bones or deliver treatment directly to the tumor.
The choice of treatment is highly individualized, with the goal of controlling the tumor while preserving as much of your normal function as possible.
Rehabilitation
After spinal tumor treatment, especially surgery, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in your recovery. Physical and occupational therapy should start as soon as it’s safe after treatment.
Rehabilitation programs are customized for each person and may focus on:
- Getting your strength and ability to move back
- Improving balance and coordination
- Learning new ways to do daily activities if you have lasting effects
- Managing pain
- Dealing with bladder or bowel problems if they occur
The goal is to help you become as independent as possible and improve your quality of life after treatment.
Complications
Spinal cord tumors and their treatments can cause various complications, mainly because the tumor can press on or damage the spinal cord and nerves.
Possible complications include:
- Weakness or paralysis in arms or legs
- Loss of feeling or abnormal sensations
- Problems controlling bladder or bowel movements
- Issues from being in bed for long periods, such as blood clots or lung problems
- Risks from surgery, including infection
The risk of complications is higher in people who have other serious health conditions.
Prevention
Unfortunately, preventing primary spinal cord tumors is generally not possible because we don’t know what causes most of them, and some are related to genetic conditions people are born with.
For secondary spinal tumors, prevention focuses on preventing the original cancer from developing or spreading. This includes:
- Regular cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor
- Early detection and treatment of cancers in other parts of your body
- Maintaining overall good health
It’s important to see a doctor promptly for any persistent back pain, especially pain that gets worse at night or doesn’t improve with rest.
Living With Spinal Tumors
Living with spinal tumors can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Symptoms such as back pain, nerve issues, or mobility difficulties may affect daily activities and quality of life. Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan—whether surgical or non-surgical—can significantly improve outcomes. Managing spinal tumors often requires ongoing support, including physical therapy, pain management, and regular monitoring. Emotional well-being is equally important, and support from healthcare providers, family, or counseling can make a meaningful difference. With the right care, many patients are able to manage their condition and continue living fulfilling lives.
Key Takeaways
Spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths that can significantly impact your health and daily life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people can achieve good outcomes. These tumors can occur inside the spinal cord itself, in the surrounding protective tissues, or in the spine bones, with most being secondary tumors that have spread from cancer elsewhere in the body.
Spinal tumor symptoms typically include back pain that worsens at night, weakness, numbness, and potential bladder or bowel control issues. While the exact spinal tumor causes for primary tumors remain unclear, secondary tumors result from the spread of cancers like breast, lung, prostate, or kidney cancer. Spinal tumor diagnosis relies heavily on MRI imaging along with thorough neurological examinations. Treatment approaches vary widely depending on the specific spinal cord tumor types and may include spinal tumor surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combinations of these treatments.
At Sancheti Hospital, our multidisciplinary team of neurologists, spine surgeons, and oncologists provides comprehensive care for patients with spinal tumors, offering advanced diagnostic imaging, state-of-the-art surgical techniques, and personalized rehabilitation programs to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes and quality of life.
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a spinal tumor and spinal cancer?
A spinal tumor is any abnormal growth in or around the spine, while spinal cancer specifically refers to malignant (cancerous) tumors. Spinal tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant.
Are most spinal tumors cancerous?
While many primary spinal tumors are benign, most spinal tumors overall are actually secondary tumors – cancerous growths that have spread from other parts of the body to the spine.
How are spinal tumors diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a physical and neurological examination, followed by imaging tests like MRI and CT scans. Sometimes a biopsy is needed to determine the exact type of tumor.
Can a spinal tumor be removed?
Many spinal tumors can be surgically removed, especially benign ones with clear borders. The ability to completely remove a tumor depends on its type, size, and location. Some tumors may require partial removal followed by other treatments.
