Spinal tumors are relatively common problems seen by a Neurosurgeon. Tumors in the spine can start from the cervical (neck portion) spine to the lumbar spine (lower back). The tumors mostly arise inside the spinal canal from the nerve sheath (neurinomas) or arise from the covering of the spinal cord (meningiomas). Rarely they may arise within the spinal cord substance (ependymoma, astrocytoma).
These tumors may present as pain, tingling sensations in hands or legs, weakness, change of gait or problems of bowel/bladder.
Most of the tumors can be safely excised and a permanent cure attained.
