Spinal Tumor Surgery Los Angeles | Achieve Brain & Spine

Spinal Tumor Surgery

A spinal tumor is one of two basic types. Primary tumors originate in the spine or spinal cord. Secondary tumors are metastatic tumors that spread from another area to the spine. Ideally, spinal tumor surgery can completely remove the tumor with advanced surgical techniques and a maximum safety margin.

Spinal tumor diagnosis

Spinal tumors are not common and there are many other conditions present the same symptoms. For this reason, a proper diagnosis is crucial. Achieve Brain & Spine specializes in treating patients with neurological and spine conditions with progressive, regenerative procedures and highly advanced surgical treatments.

Effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis which begins with your complete medical history and physical and neurological examinations. These exams may include one or more of the following:

MRI. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging can produce detailed images of your nervous system. This is often the test of choice for tumor diagnosis. For tumors, contrast administered prior to the MRI can highlight the tumor on the images and is essential in diagnosis and treatment.
Computerized tomography (CT). This is a test using a beam of radiation for detailed pictures of your spine. This test is recommended only in special types of conditions. It shows the bone anatomy with better resolution than MRI
Biopsy. Taking a small sample of the tumor tissue is done to know exactly what type of spinal tumor is involved. With this accurate information, the correct treatment can be proposed. Often, this can be done with a needle without open surgery. Patients who have compression of the nerves or spinal cord will often need removal of the tumor at the same time as the biopsy.

What are my surgical treatment options?

Not all spinal tumors require surgery. Some small tumors do not grow and are not creating pressure on the spine or neighboring tissue and only need to be carefully watched over time. Only a full evaluation of the condition will reveal the treatment options appropriate for you.

Achieve Brain & Spine: A focus on optimal outcomes.

Our doctors focus on achieving the optimal outcome with every treatment. Your options will depend upon your diagnosis and can vary widely from person to person. At Achieve Brain & Spine, you will have ongoing, consistent access to our surgeons who possess an unrivaled level of experience delivered with empathy and genuine care. They are considered among the best spine surgeons in Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

In this stressful time when dealing with a diagnosis of a spinal tumor, we will strive to provide a personal touch and help your family and you through making this difficult journey a little easier. At Achieve Brain & Spine, we are doctors who know that hope and positivity are so important in the healing process and we will strive to provide you honest, accurate information with an empathetic, caring bedside manner.

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Surgical treatment for spinal tumors

Surgery is most often prescribed for tumors that can be removed with little risk. Advanced techniques and highly evolved instrumentation including real-time microscopes give your doctor an unsurpassed ability to see into the area and distinguish tumor tissue from healthy tissue. Whenever possible, a minimally invasive spine surgery will be performed. If the vertebrae are weakened or fractured, then surgery might include a stabilization or fusion procedure.

Our spine surgeon can monitor the ongoing function of the spinal cord and major nerves during your operation to ensure only the tumor is acted upon. There are many state-of-the-art tools at his disposal to ensure a successful outcome. For example, high-frequency sound waves may be applied to the tumor to break it up and remove it.

Radiosurgery or chemotherapy can be used for treatment for some tumors and with a collaborative approach with your oncologists, we will recommend this treatment if appropriate.

What is recovery from spinal surgery generally like?

In situations where the tumor cannot be totally removed by surgery or there is concern for microscopic tumor, follow up procedures may be advised such as radiation or chemotherapy to prevent recurrence.
Recovery from surgery may take a number of weeks depending on the extent of the surgery.
Temporary numbness or bleeding may be experienced which should resolve as your body heals.
Because the surgery may cause temporary inflammation inside the spinal cord, it may be recommended that you take corticosteroids for a short period of time.

Besides the normal response of your body’s healing mechanism, your healing time is also affected by the skill and precision of the surgeon, pre-surgical preparations and post-op care. Achieve Brain & Spine specialists comprise a team of experienced and progressive members passionate and unrelenting about ensuring a superior experience from the moment you walk through our doors until your final post-op visit. Our broadly-acknowledged reputation is based on high quality care and optimal patient outcomes. With you and your family’s support, we will achieve your best outcome together.

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Spinal Tumor Surgery