Spinal Tumors

When back pain persists and diagnoses or treatments fail, it may be time to suspect spinal tumors as the cause. The vast majority of back problems do not involve benign or cancerous tumors, so other conditions that may affect the nerves should be ruled out first. If tumors are present on the inside or outside of the spinal column, however, current surgical treatments have a very good success ratio and involve less intensive internal disturbance than operations of the past.

These diagnostic tests can be performed to rule out or zero in on spinal tumors:

1. X-rays can reveal bone spurs or fractures that crowd or enter the spinal canal, impinging on the nerves that reside there.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, detects damage to discs, locates affected nerves and scans for tumors.
3. Surgical biopsies will be necessary to determine whether any spinal tumors are malignant.

The Most Advanced Information on Spinal Tumors

When other conditions are ruled out, patients should consult a physician with the knowledge and experience to diagnose spinal tumors and decide whether surgery is indicated. As opposed to open back surgery, arthroscopic surgery using a camera or microscope is very effective in the removal of some spinal tumors, bone spurs or other abnormal spinal growths. The doctor's decision will take into account the progression of the abnormality, as well as the patient's family history and current medical status.

Many patients seek diagnosis, treatment and recovery therapy at the Bonati Institute. Its highly qualified staff is dedicated to finding the causes of back pain, such as spinal tumors, and returning individuals to their pain-free lives.