Spinal Tumours

A spinal tumour is an abnormal growth in or around the spine. It can grow in the spine bones, inside the spinal canal, or on the spinal cord and nerves. Some spinal tumours are benign (non cancerous) and grow slowly, while others are malignant (cancerous). The most common type seen in the spine is metastatic disease, where cancer from another part of the body, like the breast, lung, prostate, kidney or thyroid, spreads to the spine. Spinal tumours can also start in the spine itself, like myeloma, haemangioma or nerve sheath tumours.

Spinal tumours can weaken the spine bones, cause fractures and press on the spinal cord or nerves, leading to pain, weakness or paralysis. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help control pain, protect nerve function and keep patients walking and independent. At SpineArc, Dr. Tanmay Avhad evaluates and treats spinal tumours and metastatic disease, working closely with oncologists and radiation specialists. Where possible, he uses minimally invasive techniques to stabilise the spine and relieve nerve pressure, so patients can recover faster and continue their cancer treatment without long delays.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spinal tumours depend on the location, size and type of tumour. Common symptoms include:

Back or neck pain that is constant, slowly worsening and often worse at night.

Pain that does not improve with rest or regular pain medicines.

Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs.

Difficulty in walking, balance problems or frequent falls.

Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite or tiredness.

Loss of bladder or bowel control, which needs emergency care.

Causes

Spinal tumours can have different causes, and in many cases the exact reason is not known. Common types and causes include:

Cancer spreading to the spine from other organs like the breast, lung, prostate, kidney or thyroid.

Multiple myeloma and lymphoma, which are blood related cancers that can affect the spine bones.

Benign bone tumours like haemangioma, osteoid osteoma and giant cell tumour.

Tumours of the nerves and coverings of the spinal cord, like schwannoma and meningioma.

Rare primary cancers of the spine bone, like chordoma and sarcoma.

Genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis, which increase the chance of nerve tumours.

Past radiation treatment in the area, in rare cases.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To treat a spinal tumour the right way, the type of tumour, its spread, spine stability and nerve involvement must be carefully assessed. At SpineArc, diagnosis and treatment follow a step by step approach:

Detailed physical and neurological check to assess pain, strength, sensation, walking and bladder function.
MRI of the whole spine to see the tumour, the number of levels involved and any pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
CT scan, PET CT and blood tests to study bone damage, check for spread to other parts of the body and find the original cancer if unknown.
CT guided biopsy to take a small sample of the tumour and confirm its exact type, which decides the treatment plan.
Team based treatment planning with oncologists and radiation specialists, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapy when suitable.
Minimally invasive spine stabilisation, using percutaneous screws through small cuts, to support a weak or fractured spine and control pain with faster recovery.
Decompression and fixation surgery, to remove tumour pressing on the spinal cord or nerves and stabilise the spine, especially when there is weakness or instability.

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to develop spinal tumours. Knowing these factors can help you take early care:

History of cancer

People with breast, lung, prostate, kidney or thyroid cancer have a higher chance of spread to the spine.

Age

Metastatic spine disease and myeloma are more common after the age of 50.

Genetic conditions

Neurofibromatosis and some other inherited conditions increase the risk of nerve tumours.

Low immunity

Weak immunity can increase the risk of some types of lymphoma.

Past radiation exposure

Earlier radiation to the area may slightly raise the risk.

You Deserve Expert Care for Spinal Tumours

Get the right diagnosis and advanced spinal tumour treatment in Mumbai from Dr. Tanmay Avhad at 4 hospitals across the city. Available 6 days a week, book your consultation today.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about spinal tumour treatment in Mumbai, answered simply by Dr. Tanmay Avhad.

Are all spinal tumours cancerous?

No. Some spinal tumours are benign and grow slowly. But the most common spine tumours in adults are cancers that have spread from other organs, so every spinal tumour needs proper testing.

What are the warning signs of a spinal tumour?

Constant back pain that is worse at night, pain that does not improve with rest, unexplained weight loss, and weakness or numbness in the arms or legs are warning signs.

How is a spinal tumour diagnosed?

It is diagnosed with MRI and CT scans, blood tests and a CT guided biopsy, which confirms the exact type of tumour and helps plan treatment.

Does every spinal tumour need surgery?

No. Many spinal tumours are treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or careful monitoring. Surgery is advised when the spine is unstable, there is pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, or pain is not controlled.

Can minimally invasive surgery be done for spinal tumours?

Yes, in suitable patients. Minimally invasive screw fixation can stabilise the spine through small cuts, with less blood loss and faster recovery, so cancer treatment like radiotherapy can start sooner.

How can I book an appointment for spinal tumour treatment?

You can call +91 79779 26003 or +91 99203 97922, send a WhatsApp message, or fill the form on this website. Our team will call you to confirm your time and hospital.

Where does Dr. Tanmay Avhad consult in Mumbai?

Dr. Tanmay consults at 6 hospitals in Mumbai:

Sphere Multispeciality Clinic, Dadar East, Mumbai (Mon, Wed & Fri – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Aryan Multispeciality Hospital, Kalachowki (Mon, Wed & Fri – 5PM to 6PM)
Life Care Hospital, Sion (Tue, Thu & Sat – 5PM to 6PM)
Lion Tarachand Bapa Hospital, Sion, Mumbai (Tue, Thu & Sat – 6:30PM to 7:30PM)
Sushrut Hospital and Research Centre, Chembur (Tue, Thu & Sat – 8PM to 9PM)
Gleneagles Hospital, Parel