Removal of a spinal tumour

HCA UK’s spinal experts can support and guide you through surgery to remove spinal tumours.

Enquiries & Appointments

X-ray spine

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.

Need to know

You will be placed under local or general anaesthetic. Your gynaecological surgeon's techniques may vary.

If they are performing a hydrothermal, they'll begin by pumping a fluid into your uterus and heating it. This will remove the endometrium after about 10 minutes. Alternatively, your consultant may guide a small balloon on a tube through your uterus. They will then insert a heated fluid into the balloon to expand and break the endometrium.

In some cases, the endometrium can be frozen off. This is carried out by a very cold tip on a small probe that is passed through the uterus.

Your consultant will explain how best to prepare for endometrial ablation, answering any questions you might have.

Most women are able to return to their normal routine within a week. Other things you may experience in the recovery process include:

  • nausea or an urge to urinate for 24 hours
  • cramping and/or bleeding for a few days
  • watery and/or bloody discharge for up to three weeks

You might be prescribed medicine if you feel any pain. If you experience any severe side effects, you should contact your consultant who can arrange a follow-up appointment

Our spinal tumour locations

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

170 Tottenham Court Road London W1T 7HA
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

30 Devonshire Street London W1G 6PU
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place London W1U 5NY
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, London SW1W 8RH
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road

Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road

280 King's Road London SW3 5AW
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
Chiswick Outpatients

Chiswick Outpatients

Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road London W4 4HS
The Wilmslow Hospital

The Wilmslow Hospital

52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY

Patient stories

Hear from past patients about their experience

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.