Spinal tumours are growths within the spinal cord, its coverings, or the surrounding bones. Many are benign — schwannomas, neurofibromas and meningiomas are the commonest — and are curable with complete removal. Others are metastases from cancers elsewhere that need coordinated oncological care. Because these tumours sit next to the spinal cord, both the diagnosis and the surgery demand neurosurgical precision.
Types of spinal tumours
Tumours are classified by location: extradural tumours (outside the cord's covering, usually in the bone — most often metastases), intradural-extramedullary tumours (inside the covering but outside the cord — schwannomas and meningiomas, typically benign), and intramedullary tumours (within the spinal cord itself — ependymomas and astrocytomas). Each behaves differently and each demands a different surgical strategy.
Symptoms that suggest a spinal tumour
Persistent, progressive back or neck pain — especially pain that wakes you at night or does not vary with activity — is the most consistent early symptom. As a tumour grows it can cause radiating nerve pain, progressive numbness or weakness in the limbs, unsteady walking, and eventually bladder or bowel disturbance. Any progressive neurological symptom deserves an MRI rather than reassurance.
Diagnosis and planning
Contrast-enhanced MRI is the key investigation — it shows the tumour's location, extent and relationship to the spinal cord. CT helps assess bone involvement, and a metastatic work-up is added when secondaries are suspected. For most intradural tumours, surgical removal provides both the diagnosis and the treatment; for metastases, treatment is planned jointly with oncology.
Microsurgical removal
Benign intradural tumours are removed under the operating microscope, often through a limited opening, with the goal of complete excision while protecting every nerve fibre. Complete removal of a schwannoma or meningioma is usually curative. For metastatic disease, surgery focuses on decompressing the cord and stabilising the spine to preserve walking and quality of life, followed by radiotherapy or systemic treatment.
Outcomes and follow-up
Outcomes for benign spinal tumours treated before major neurological deficit are generally very good — many patients return to full, normal lives. The single most important factor is timing: a cord that is decompressed early recovers far better than one operated late. Dr. Arun Reddy M evaluates spinal tumours at CARE Hospitals, HITEC City (Gachibowli); MRI review through this website is available for second opinions.