Spinal Tumors and Cysts
A spinal tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in or near the spinal cord or spine. A spinal cyst is a sac filled with fluid that forms on or near the spinal cord. While there are differences between a spinal tumor and a cyst, they can both cause spinal compression, pain and discomfort and may need to be surgically removed.
Types of Spinal Cysts and Tumors
Common types of spinal cysts include:
- Synovial cysts form near the spine’s facet joints, typically in the lumbar spine.
- Tarlov cysts are situated on the nerve roots that extend from the spinal cord.
- Arachnoid cysts are benign cysts that form in or near the arachnoid membrane around the spinal cord.
These broad categories are used to classify spinal tumors:
- Primary: Primary tumors develop on the spinal cord or spine.
- Metastatic: Secondary spinal tumors are caused by cancer spreading to the spine.
Some specific types of spinal tumors include a glioma, a type of tumor that starts in glial cells in the spinal cord, and giant cell tumors, bone tumors that contain giant cells with multiple nuclei.
Spinal Tumor and Cyst Symptoms
Some tumor and cyst symptoms include:
- Aching, deep back pain.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs, arms and chest.
- Muscle spasms and twitches.
- Difficulty walking or moving.
Spinal tumors are known to cause pain at night that disrupts sleep.
How Spine Tumors and Cysts Are Diagnosed
The way to know if you have a spinal tumor is through a medical evaluation and testing. If you’re experiencing tumor and cyst symptoms like back pain, an orthopedic surgeon can use:
- A neurological exam to evaluate symptoms.
- X-rays to show bone changes.
- An MRI to view the spinal cord and soft tissues.
- A CT scan to view the bone and spine structure in detail.
- A biopsy to confirm the tumor type.
Spinal Cyst and Tumor Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cyst or tumor type, location, symptoms and, for tumors, whether it’s a malignant or benign spinal tumor.
Primary spinal tumors can be removed if surgery is the most viable treatment option. Spinal tumor surgery recovery time may range from weeks to months, depending on tumor location and symptoms. Complete spinal cord tumor removal may not be possible for tumors growing in or near the spinal cord or its tissues.
Metastatic spinal tumors are treated to provide pain relief and maintain or improve spinal nerve function. A surgical approach involves removing the tumor and supporting and stabilizing the spine.
Spinal cyst treatment can involve removing the cyst if conservative treatment doesn’t relieve symptoms. For cysts compressing the spinal cord, a laminectomy may help relieve pressure.
What Makes Rojeh Melikian, M.D., One of the Best Surgeons for Spinal Tumors in Los Angeles?
Dr. Rojeh Melikian is an award-winning spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spinal tumor removal.
Patients choose our practice for:
- Extensive training and experience: Dr. Melikian is board-certified and fellowship-trained in spinal tumor and cyst removal.
- Compassionate care: We balance our expertise with patient-first compassion to provide a positive experience.
- Personalized treatment plans: We recommend conservative treatment first when appropriate and tailor treatment to your spinal tumor and cyst symptoms.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Melikian Today
Call us at 949-806-6946 or contact us online to schedule a phone or video consultation. Dr. Melikian also offers second opinions for spine tumor surgeries.