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What are spine tumors?

A spine tumor is a mass that develops in the nerves, bones, or tissues in and around your spine. Some tumors are harmless (benign), while others are malignant (cancerous).

If you experience back or neck pain that occurs alongside muscle weakness or a lack of coordination, and it doesn’t improve within a few days, make an appointment at LA Spine Group with Dr. Kharuna.

What are the symptoms of spine tumors?

Symptoms of spine tumors include:

Back pain
Neck pain
Muscle weakness
Instability
Loss of balance
Sensory problems

If the tumor is located near a group of nerves, you might also experience tingling, numbness, or pins and needles sensations in your hands and feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients often ask about spine tumor treatment. Here, Dr. Sanjay Khurana has answered common questions related to spine tumor surgery. For more information, schedule a consultation.

At LA Spine Group, Dr. Khurana treats various types of spine tumors, including:

Epidural tumors

Epidural tumors develop in the bones of your spine (vertebrae) and grow over time. As they enlarge, they put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort.

Intramedullary tumors

Intramedullary tumors originate within the cells of your spinal cord itself. These tumors can disrupt nerve function and may cause symptoms like weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.

Intradural tumors

Intradural tumors form within the inner lining of the spinal cord, called the dura. Most of these tumors are non-cancerous (benign) but can still cause nerve compression, leading to pain and neurological symptoms.

Extradural tumors

Extradural tumors grow on the outer lining of the spinal cord. While most of these tumors are benign, they can still cause discomfort and neurological issues by pressing against the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Diagnosing a spine tumor involves a multi-step process to ensure accurate assessment and effective treatment. Dr. Khurana begins with a comprehensive review of your medical history, discussing symptoms like pain, weakness, or changes in mobility. A physical examination helps evaluate spinal alignment, nerve function, and muscle strength. To confirm the presence of a tumor, advanced imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are performed, providing detailed insights into the tumor’s size, location, and effect on nearby tissues. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. With this information, Dr. Khurana develops a customized treatment plan designed to relieve symptoms and protect spinal health.

Treatment of a spine tumor depends on various factors, including the location and size of the tumor and if it’s cancerous or benign. If Dr. Khurana can easily access the tumor and remove it, he might recommend minimally invasive surgery. If your tumor is cancerous, Dr. Khurana might refer you to an oncologist for radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of all three.

If you’re concerned about your risk of a spine tumor, make an appointment with Sanjay Khurana, MD, at LA Spine Group by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.

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