Being told you have a benign spinal tumor can be overwhelming. You might be experiencing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness—and now you’re facing important treatment decisions. The good news? For many patients with benign spinal tumors, surgical resection offers a definitive treatment to address the tumor and stabilize, often, resolving, symptoms.
At Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, our team of specialized spine surgeons can guide you through the procedure, what to expect during recovery, and whether it is the right choice for your specific condition.
What Are Benign Spinal Tumors?
Unlike malignant tumors, benign spinal tumors are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the spine. Common types include:
- Meningiomas: Tumors that form in the membranes covering the spinal cord
- Schwannomas: Tumors that develop on the protective covering of spinal nerve roots
- Neurofibromas: Tumors that grow from nerve tissue
- Hemangiomas: Benign vascular tumors commonly found in the vertebrae
While these tumors aren’t cancerous, if left untreated they can still cause significant problems by compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain, neurological symptoms, or less commonly spinal instability.
What Is Benign Spinal Tumor Surgery?
When a benign spinal tumor is diagnosed, typically through imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan, your care team works to understand its exact location, type, and potential impact on your spinal cord or surrounding nerves. Even if you are asymptomatic, surgery may still be recommended if the tumor is compressing the spinal cord, creating the potential for neurological compromise.
Because benign tumors have clear boundaries and don’t invade surrounding tissues like malignant tumors, surgery often offers a cure with complete removal of the tumor. The surgery typically involves an incision along your back with dissection of your muscles to expose your spine. The back part of the spine, called the lamina, is removed through a procedure known as a laminectomy. The nerve sac is identified and opened to access the tumor and spinal cord.
Using microsurgical techniques, the tumor is separated from the spinal cord and removed. Tissue specimens are sent for pathological analysis to determine the identity of the tumor. The nerve sac, muscles, and skin are then sutured closed, completing the operation.
When Surgery Is Recommended for Benign Spinal Tumors
Not all benign spinal tumors require immediate intervention. Your surgeon may recommend surgery if:
- The tumor is causing significant neurological symptoms
- Imaging shows the tumor is compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots
- The tumor is growing over time
- There’s risk of spinal instability or fracture
- A definitive diagnosis is needed through tissue sampling
For smaller, benign tumors that are not contacting the spinal cord or nerves, your doctor might recommend a “watch and wait” approach with regular monitoring through repeated imaging studies.
What to Expect During Recovery
Everyone heals at their own pace, but recovery from benign spinal tumor surgery is typically quicker than you would expect. Most patients can expect the following:
- Hospital stay: Often just 1-3 days
- Return to light activities: Usually within the first month after surgery
- Return to work: Often within the first month (depending on your job requirements)
- Full recovery: Usually within 3-6 weeks for most patients
- Follow-up imaging: Scheduled to confirm complete tumor removal
If the tumor caused nerve compression or damage, some symptoms may linger as your nerves heal over time. You’ll work closely with your neurosurgeon to track your progress and determine whether additional treatments—such as physical therapy —are needed as part of your comprehensive recovery plan.
Understanding the Risks
As with any surgical procedure, there are important risks to consider with spinal tumor surgery. Your surgeon will thoroughly discuss all potential complications so you can make an informed decision. These may include:
- Nerve inflammation or damage
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Recurrence of the benign tumor (though rare with complete removal)
It’s important to understand that these risks are very low, with the benefits of surgery far outweighing the risks, particularly if you are demonstrating increasing neurological compromise. Your surgical team will take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure the best possible outcome.
Is Benign Spinal Tumor Surgery Right for You?
While not every patient with a spinal tumor requires surgery, many patients with spinal tumors can benefit from surgery. The best way to determine if surgical resection is appropriate for your condition is to speak with one of our specialized neurosurgeons.
Factors that can influence your candidacy include:
- The size and location of your tumor
- Your symptoms and rate of progression
- Previous spine surgeries or conditions
- Your overall health and medical history
Taking the Next Step
The decision to undergo surgery for a benign spinal tumor can be difficult. It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about how the procedure might impact your daily activities and overall quality of life. These concerns are best addressed by finding a surgeon who will listen carefully to your concerns and clearly explain the risks and benefits of minimally invasive benign spinal tumor surgery.
At Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, our award-winning team specializes in providing patient-centered care and is recognized as experts in the care of patients with benign spinal tumors. We take the time to understand your specific needs and develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for each specific patient.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a benign spinal tumor or have been diagnosed with one, we invite you to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations throughout New Jersey. Our team of specialists will review your case, discuss your treatment options, and assist you in making an informed decision about your care.
Call us today at 551-284-3265 to schedule your appointment.
Let’s work together to find the solution that helps you return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.