Spinal tumor is a rare health concern, which occur due to the abnormal growth of cells and tissues in the spinal cord or spinal column of an individual. This condition cannot be treated easily that means the treatment of this health concern is difficult. Hence, it is dangerous for individuals’ health and can cause symptoms such as weight loss, sweating, back pain and many more. Spine tumor surgery is the most common treatment method. This surgical procedure involves the removal of a malignant or benign tumor from the spinal cord. It is the best treatment option for patients. The surgery can vary in complexity depending on the size and location of a tumor.

Types of Spinal Tumors

The spinal tumors are of different kinds. These include the following:

Osteosarcoma: It is a bone cancer which forms in the spine. This problem is common in thigh and shin bones.
Ependymoma: This tumor typically forms in the brain and spinal cord. It occurs at any age but is more common in children.
Meningioma: It is a primary brain tumor which mainly originates in the thin membranes, which is also known as meninges. This problem leads to several symptoms such as seizures, headaches, etc. It affects 30% of individuals suffering from brain tumors.
Chordoma: It is a rare and malignant form of bone cancer, which develops in the spine or base of the skull. This problem mainly affects the individuals between the age of 40 and 70 years. Its other name is notochordal sarcoma.
Astrocytoma: It is a tumor, which occurs from the star-shaped glial cell called astrocytes. This problem mainly develops in cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. It leads to several symptoms such as sleeping problems, respiratory distress, etc.
Glioblastoma: It is an aggressive and malignant brain cancer which forms due to growth of abnormal cells in the brain and spinal cord. This problem spreads quickly and destroys healthy tissues in individuals. It mainly affects the people between 45 and 70 years of age.
Neurofibroma: This problem can occur when soft and pea-sized bumps appear on the skin. It is a benign tumor which develops in a major or minor nerve.

Benefits of Spine Tumor Surgery

The advantages of this surgery are as follows:

It relieves pain, weakness and sensory loss due to tumors in patients.
This method provides shorter recovery than other traditional treatments.
A tissue can be provided from this surgery for pathological diagnosis.
The further complications, such as spinal instability or other neurological issues are prevented from this surgical approach.
This minimally invasive surgery results in minimal scarring as well as lower the blood loss in patients.

Risks and Complications of Spine Tumor Surgery

As compared to other treatment approaches, this surgery also leads to risks and complications. These include the following:

Lung Infection or Pneumonia
Radiation Myelopathy
Spinal Instability or leakage of spinal fluid
Damage in nerve or spinal cord
Excessive bleeding
Pelvic fracture
Deformities
Loss of sensation and muscle strength

Procedure of Spine Tumor Surgery

Check out the process of spine tumor treatment from before to aftercare:

Before Procedure

The following things that can be expected before the surgical procedure:

Some imaging tests such as MRI scan, CT scan are required for the identification of tumor’s location and size. A surgeon can also perform to determine its exact type.
The blood tests might be needed for checking infections or other health problems in patients.
If a patient is taking blood-thinning medication drugs, then he or she must avoid these medicines.
The procedure, risks, benefits and recovery process will be discussed in the healthcare department.
A patient may require fasting (no eating and drinking) for several hours.
Some health conditions, such as heart diabetes, and hypertension heart disease must be managed before the surgery.
An individual should quit smoking cigarettes or tobacco, which will be beneficial for his or her recovery.
The aspirin dose must be changed or should be stopped for 7 days before the surgical procedure.

During Procedure

A surgeon performs this surgery in several steps. These are as follows:

A general anesthesia will be provided to a patient so that he or she might get a proper-sleep or pain free.
An incision is made in the back for accessing the location of a tumor.
A portion of a vertebrae, that is, tumor will be removed through microscopes, lasers and micro-instruments.
After the removal of a tumor, a surgeon might perform spinal fusion to support the spine. This surgery typically lasts for a few hours.
The vital signs will be monitored throughout the surgery and ensure that a patient is comfortable.

After Procedure

The things that can be expected after the surgical procedure are as follows:

A patient can stay in a hospital for 3 or 7 days. He or she will be taken into a recovery room where the recovery will be monitored through anesthesia.
The pain medication drug will be received to a patient which helps to manage pain or discomfort in him or her.
Physical therapy might be required for individuals for the purpose of mobility, strength and function.
An in-patient rehabilitation program must be attended by a person.
Some side effects, such as temporary loss of sensation, sexual responsiveness, change in bowel or bladder, etc, after the surgery. The medication drugs will be prescribed to an individual for the management of these health conditions.
The pain medication can be taken by a patient for a few days or several weeks.
An individual fully recovers in several weeks or months.