Spinal Tumor Treatment in Orange County

Expert Care for Spinal Tumors, Spine Cancer, and Complex Spine Conditions

Learning that you may have a spinal tumor can feel overwhelming. Whether you're seeking answers about concerning symptoms, a new diagnosis, or a second opinion, having the right team by your side can make all the difference.

At the Hoag Spine Institute, our multidisciplinary team of spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and rehabilitation specialists provides comprehensive care for patients with spinal tumors and spinal cord tumors. Using advanced imaging, leading surgical technologies, and personalized treatment planning, we focus on delivering expert care with compassion, precision, and support at every stage of treatment.

Because every spinal tumor is unique, our specialists work together to develop individualized care plans based on the type of tumor, its location, your overall health, and your treatment goals.

Whether treatment involves monitoring, surgery, radiation therapy, cancer care, or rehabilitation, our goal is to help patients preserve neurological function, maintain mobility, and achieve the best possible quality of life.

To schedule a consultation or request a second opinion, call 949-764-1144.

What Is a Spinal Tumor?

A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth that develops within or near the spine, spinal cord, or surrounding tissues.

Spinal tumors can occur in the bones of the spine, the spinal canal, the spinal cord, or the protective tissues surrounding the spinal cord.

Some spinal tumors are benign (noncancerous), while others are malignant (cancerous). Regardless of whether a tumor is cancerous, it can cause symptoms if it grows large enough to place pressure on the spinal cord, nerves, or nearby structures.

As a tumor enlarges, it may affect nerve function, mobility, sensation, or spinal stability, making early evaluation and treatment important.

Types of Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumors are generally classified as either primary or metastatic.

Primary Spinal Tumors

Primary spinal tumors originate within the spine or spinal cord itself.

These tumors are relatively uncommon and may be benign or malignant.

Examples include:

• Meningiomas

• Schwannomas

• Neurofibromas

• Ependymomas

• Astrocytomas

• Chordomas

• Hemangioblastomas

• Osteosarcomas

Many primary spinal tumors grow slowly and may be treatable with surgery, observation, or other targeted therapies depending on the diagnosis.

Metastatic Spinal Tumors

Metastatic spinal tumors occur when cancer spreads to the spine from another part of the body.

These are the most common type of spinal tumors and are frequently associated with cancers of the:

• Breast

• Lung

• Prostate

• Kidney

• Thyroid

• Gastrointestinal tract

Because the spine is a common site for cancer spread, patients with a history of cancer who develop new back pain should discuss their symptoms with a healthcare provider.

How Are Spinal Tumors Classified?

Spinal tumors may also be categorized based on their location:

Extradural Tumors

These tumors develop outside the spinal cord but within the spinal column and are often found in the vertebrae or epidural space.

Intramedullary Tumors

These tumors develop within the spinal cord itself.

Intradural Extramedullary Tumors

These tumors develop inside the protective covering of the spinal cord but outside the spinal cord tissue.

Understanding the precise location of a tumor is essential because it helps determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.

What Causes Spinal Tumors?

The exact cause of most primary spinal tumors is not fully understood.

Researchers believe multiple factors may contribute to tumor development, including:

Genetic Factors

Certain inherited conditions can increase the risk of spinal tumors, including:

• Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)

• Von Hippel-Lindau Disease Prior

Radiation Exposure

Rarely, previous exposure to high doses of radiation may increase the risk of developing some types of tumors.

Immune System Disorders

Certain immune system conditions may increase susceptibility to specific cancers that can affect the spine or nervous system.

Metastatic Cancer

Most spinal tumors occur when cancer spreads from another area of the body to the spine.

Symptoms of a Spinal Tumor

Symptoms vary depending on the location, size, and type of tumor.

Common spinal tumor symptoms include:

Persistent Back or Neck Pain

Pain is often one of the earliest symptoms of a spinal tumor. Unlike ordinary muscle strain, the discomfort may persist, worsen over time, or occur even during rest.

Numbness or Tingling

Pressure on nerves or the spinal cord may cause abnormal sensations in the arms, legs, chest, or torso.

Weakness

Patients may experience weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, reduced coordination, or trouble with daily activities.

Balance and Mobility Problems

As nerve function becomes affected, patients may notice increasing difficulty with balance, stability, or coordination.

Changes in Bowel or Bladder Function

Loss of bowel or bladder control can occur in rare cases involving significant compression of the spinal cord or nerve structures and requires urgent medical evaluation.

Other Possible Symptoms

Additional symptoms may include:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Changes in posture

• Progressive spinal deformity

• Reduced sensation in the extremities

When Should You See a Specialist?

You should seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent back or neck pain that does not improve

• Pain that wakes you from sleep

• Progressive weakness or numbness

• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance

• Unexplained neurological symptoms

• A history of cancer and new spinal pain

• Early diagnosis often allows for more treatment options and helps prevent complications.

How Are Spinal Tumors Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a spine specialist.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• Physical and neurological examination

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• Advanced spine imaging

• Biopsy when appropriate

• Laboratory studies

At Hoag Spine Institute, advanced imaging and multidisciplinary consultation help physicians develop individualized treatment recommendations tailored to each patient's condition.

Treatment Options for Spinal Tumors

Treatment depends on the type of tumor, its location, whether it is benign or malignant, and its impact on surrounding structures.

Treatment options may include:

Monitoring and Observation

Some slow-growing benign tumors may be monitored through regular imaging and follow-up evaluations.

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended to:

• Remove the tumor

• Relieve spinal cord compression

• Preserve nerve function

• Stabilize the spine

• Obtain tissue for diagnosis

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery to control tumor growth.

Medical Oncology Treatments

Patients with metastatic spinal tumors may receive targeted cancer treatments, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or other specialized therapies through Hoag's cancer experts.

Rehabilitation

Physical therapy and rehabilitation can help patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence after treatment.

Advanced Spine Tumor Care at Hoag

Innovation is an important part of how Hoag cares for complex spine conditions.

For patients requiring surgery, Hoag specialists utilize advanced technologies that support surgical planning, visualization, and precision. These capabilities help surgeons better understand the relationship between tumors and nearby anatomy and may support more individualized treatment strategies.

Hoag also offers advanced surgical navigation technologies, including SyncAR® augmented reality visualization and other innovative approaches that help physicians plan and perform complex spine procedures with exceptional accuracy.

Combined with our multidisciplinary expertise, these technologies support a personalized approach to care for patients with spinal tumors and spinal cord tumors.

Comprehensive Spinal Tumor Treatment at Hoag Spine Institute

At the Hoag Spine Institute, we understand that a spinal tumor diagnosis affects more than your physical health. It can impact every aspect of life, including your mobility, independence, and peace of mind.

That's why our team is committed to providing expert care with compassion, clear communication, and personalized support throughout your treatment journey.

Whether you're seeking answers for concerning symptoms, evaluating treatment options, or looking for a second opinion, Hoag offers comprehensive spinal tumor care close to home for patients across Orange County.

Call 949-764-1144 today to schedule a consultation or request a second opinion with a Hoag spine specialist.