Excision of spinal tumour
Removal of a tumour in the spine
HCA UK’s experts can support and guide you through surgery to remove spinal tumours.
About spinal tumours
Spinal tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous (malignant). Many cancers occurring in the spine have spread from other organs in the body.
Spinal tumours are usually ependymomas, which start in the spinal cord or brain, or nerve-sheath tumours, which start in the central nervous system in the spinal cord. Excision, or surgery, removes the tumour.
Spinal tumours are usually ependymomas, which start in the spinal cord or brain, or nerve-sheath tumours, which start in the central nervous system in the spinal cord. Excision, or surgery, removes the tumour.
Need to know
-
What happens during spinal surgery to remove a tumour? icon plus
Excision of a spinal tumour may be recommended when a tumour compresses the spinal cord, affecting coordination or causing discomfort.
The procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic.
To enable your consultant to remove the tumour without damaging the spine and spinal cord, they will monitor activity in your spinal cord, to ensure that electrical impulses are being passed through the spinal cord and spinal nerves during the procedure.
They will make a small cut in the skin to carefully access the spinal cord and canal, to remove the tumour. Once removed, the surrounding tissue will be closed and stitched or sutured back into place. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your HCA UK team will make sure that you are well supported before undergoing an excision for a spinal tumour. Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you might have.
As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
It is important to tell your consultant about any medication you are taking, and if you have allergies to substances such as latex. -
After your spinal surgery icon plus
After the procedure, you will be taken to our recovery unit where our dedicated team will look after you. You’ll be given pain relief medication if you need it.
You will be encouraged to get up and move around shortly after the procedure. Our specialist team will help you with this.
You may need to stay for a few nights. Your consultant or specialist nurse will let you know when you can leave the hospital, and how to look after the clips and stitches where the surgery took place.
They will also be able to advise you on how to manage your recovery, how to take painkilling tablets and when you can get back to your usual daily routines.
Our spinal consultants
We're proud to work with leading spinal surgeons who are experienced in the diagnosis and management of spinal tumours, and whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.
Our locations
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Request a spinal appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced spinal consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.