Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors are rare, which can be worrisome. But our team treats hundreds of them every year. We are among the nation’s most experienced spine tumor specialists. Our team uses advanced techniques to remove the tumor carefully and preserve your quality of life.
Why choose us for spine tumor care?
BJC HealthCare works with WashU Medicine Physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Spinal tumors can affect your bones (vertebrae), spinal cord, or its protective covering. They form near delicate tissue controlling movement and senses, which is why it’s essential to receive care from a top program such as ours. Internationally renowned neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who maintain excellent outcomes guide your care. We offer:
- Uncommon expertise: Our experts deliver outstanding care and lead research that’s advancing the field. We are part of Siteman Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Missouri. U.S. News & World Report also ranks BJC locations among the top cancer facilities in the nation. You can count on us for an accurate diagnosis and the best available therapies.
- Compassion: We recognize the questions spinal tumors may raise about your future. Our expert surgeons take time to listen to what you have to say and offer answers in ways that are easier to understand. We help you make informed care decisions and explain what to expect.
- Connected and comprehensive care: Spinal tumor experts collaborate with other health care specialists to deliver seamless, personalized therapies. Your care team may include neurologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists (diagnostic specialists), and more. We are in regular communication to tailor therapies that keep your care moving forward.
- Innovation: Our experts have had a hand in developing promising new surgical techniques for spine tumors. These include minimally invasive surgery with smaller incisions that are gentler on delicate tissue. We are also pioneers in intraoperative MRI, which helps us pinpoint tumor tissue during surgery with precision.
What are spinal tumors?
A tumor forms when an abnormal cell grows to form a mass or lump of abnormal cells. Spinal cord tumors are tumors that form in the spinal cord or the area around it. The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that goes from your brain to your lower back. It's covered by a thin layer of tissue. Your spinal cord runs through the bones of your back (vertebrae), which protect it.
A spinal cord tumor may be cancer (malignant) or noncancer (benign). Even a benign tumor can cause problems, like pain and discomfort, because it pushes on the spinal cord or nerves.
A malignant spinal cord tumor may be called a primary tumor. This means the cancer started in cells of the spinal cord. Or a spinal cord tumor may be secondary. This means the cancer started somewhere else in the body and spread to the spinal cord. Most spinal cord tumors are secondary tumors. They're caused when cells from lung, breast, prostate, or another cancer spread through the blood or lymph system and reach the spine. Then, over time, they grow and make a tumor there.
Spinal cord tumors are rare. Brain tumors are much more common. A spinal cord tumor may form inside the spinal cord itself. Or it may form around the bones that make up the spine. Spinal cord tumors can cause problems with the nearby nerves, blood vessels, and bones.
Types of spinal cord tumors
Spinal cord tumors affect many different parts of the spine, and there are many different types, including:
- Medulloblastoma. This tumor starts in brain cells and tends to quickly spread to the spine. It's most common in children.
- Glioma (ependymoma, astrocytoma, or ganglioglioma). This is a tumor that starts in cells called glial cells.
- Chordoma. This tumor starts in the bones of the spine and can push against the spinal cord.
- Schwannoma. This starts inside the cells that cover and protect nerves.
- Meningioma. This tumor starts in the tissues around the spinal cord (meninges).
- Metastatic (secondary) tumor. This is cancer that started in another part of the body and has spread to the spinal cord.
- Lymphoma. This is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. It's rare, but it can start in lymphocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). This is called a primary CNS lymphoma.
- Multiple myeloma. This is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow. It can form in the marrow of the bones of the spine and damage the spinal cord.
Search for a specialist
Our highly trained team of specialists offers advanced treatments as well as compassionate, personalized care.
Spinal tumor testing and treatments
Non-surgical treatments may remove trace levels of cancer that remain after spinal tumor surgery. You may also benefit from these therapies if you cannot have surgery. These treatments may shrink the tumor and provide symptom relief. Offerings include specialized support throughout your care journey.
Non-surgical spinal tumor treatments include:
Spinal tumor surgery we offer
Surgery is the primary treatment for spinal tumors. Our team uses sophisticated techniques to deliver the safest, least invasive treatment. And our experience in treating a high volume of spinal tumors helps us remove them successfully while protecting your spinal cord and column.
Your procedure may involve: