Can a tumor be removed completely from the spinal cord?

Can a tumor be removed completely from the spinal cord?

But even with the latest technological advances in surgery, not all tumors can be totally removed. When the tumor can’t be removed completely, surgery may be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy or both. Recovery from spinal surgery may take weeks or longer, depending on the procedure.

What to do if you have a tumor in your spine?

Treatment for a spinal tumor may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other medications. Find out why Mayo Clinic is the best place for your care. Spinal cord tumors can cause different signs and symptoms, especially as tumors grow. The tumors may affect your spinal cord or the nerve roots, blood vessels or bones of your spine.

How is a tumor removed from the cervical spine?

Using microsurgical techniques, a tumor is gently teased out of the spinal cord in the cervical spine. Treatment options for most spinal tumors include: Monitoring. Some spinal tumors may be discovered before they cause symptoms — often when you’re being evaluated for another condition.

Where are the tumors located in the spinal cord?

Doctors divide spinal cord tumors into three major groups based on their location: Extradural tumors grow outside of the dura mater (the membrane that protects the spinal cord) and are usually in the bones surrounding the spinal cord.

Can a tumor be removed from the spinal cord?

Another typically benign type of tumor, intramedullary tumors grow from inside the spinal cord. The most common of these tumors, ependymomas, can be completely removed with surgery. Another kind of intramedullary tumor, astrocytomas, are often so tightly intermingled with nerve tissue, surgical removal can be difficult or impossible.

Treatment for a spinal tumor may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other medications. Find out why Mayo Clinic is the best place for your care. Spinal cord tumors can cause different signs and symptoms, especially as tumors grow. The tumors may affect your spinal cord or the nerve roots, blood vessels or bones of your spine.

Using microsurgical techniques, a tumor is gently teased out of the spinal cord in the cervical spine. Treatment options for most spinal tumors include: Monitoring. Some spinal tumors may be discovered before they cause symptoms — often when you’re being evaluated for another condition.

What kind of tumor grows outside the spinal cord?

Most spinal cord tumors are extradural. Intradural-extramedullary tumors grow outside the spinal cord and within the dura mater. Intramedullary tumors grow inside the spinal cord itself.