David T. Chang, M.D., Ph.D., D.A.B.N.S.
Complex Spine Neurosurgeon located in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin
Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that develop in your spinal canal or the structures that make up your spine. These tumors may cause pain or threaten the health of other areas of your body. Board-certified neurosurgeon David Chang, MD-PhD, DABNS, specializes in diagnosing spine tumors and performing complex spine surgery to remove them when needed. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Spine Tumors Q&A
What are spine tumors?
Spine tumors are an abnormal mass of cells that develop within the spinal cord or spinal column. Spine tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Dr. Chang categorizes spine tumors by their location, including:
Intramedullary tumors
Extramedullary tumors
Intradural-extramedullary tumors
What are the symptoms of spine tumors?
Pain in the middle or lower portion of your back is the most common symptom of a spine tumor. The back pain occurs without any known underlying injury.
With a spine tumor, pain tends to worsen over time and may radiate into the hips, legs, or arms. You may also experience muscle weakness or difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
These symptoms occur whether your spine tumor is benign or malignant, interfering with the ability to manage your daily life. If you have back pain without a known cause, Dr. Chang can help.
How are spine tumors diagnosed?
Revision spine surgery is complex, and Dr. Chang creates individual surgical plans that address your specific needs. He reviews the details of the procedure at your pre-surgical consultation.
When possible, Dr. Chang uses minimally invasive techniques when performing revision spine surgery.
Some patients go home the same day, but Dr. Chang may have you spend a few days at the hospital following your revision spine surgery. Once discharged, he refers you to physical therapy to support your recovery and schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
When you continue to have back pain after spine surgery, Dr. Chang can help. Schedule your revision spine surgery consultation by calling his office or booking online today.
How are spine tumors treated?
Treatment for spine tumors may depend on type, location, and size. However, because your spine is a crucial and delicate part of your body, Dr. Chang often recommends surgery to remove the growth.
Even removing a portion of the tumor provides relief from symptoms and may slow down the abnormal tissue growth. Following partial removal of your spine tumor, you may undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
For smaller spine tumors, Dr. Chang may suggest you start with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Spine tumors are rare but treatable. Call the office of David Chang, MD-PhD, DABNS, or schedule an appointment online today.