5 Encouraging Facts About Spine Tumors

The news that you have a spine tumor can be a real shock. However, there are reasons to be optimistic. Our team at Coast Neurological Associates is fully up-to-date on the latest research and techniques for diagnosing and treating spine tumors. 

Today, our team of medical experts has gathered five encouraging facts about spine tumors that will give you hope as you face this potentially serious diagnosis. Here’s what you need to know. 

1. Spine tumors are rare

Tumors of the spine aren’t all that common. Your risk of developing a spinal tumor is very small. Tumors of the central nervous system occur mostly in the brain, at a rate as high as 90%. It’s not known why most spinal tumors occur. 

2. Spine tumors are mostly benign

Chances are that your spine tumor is not cancerous. A tumor here won’t spread to other parts of the body or experience rapid growth like aggressive cancers. However, benign tumors can still cause complications because they can press against nerve tissue, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. 

3. You may not need treatment

Small benign tumors may be found through diagnostic imaging when exploring back pain or other symptoms. In some cases, a tumor may be spotted during tests for an unrelated condition. Depending on your symptoms (or lack of symptoms), we may recommend monitoring your condition until a tumor starts to grow or cause other medical issues. 

4. Encouraging outcomes

Many types of spine tumors are treatable. Like most cancers, your outcome improves the earlier your condition is diagnosed. Much depends on the unique aspects of your case, such as the location, size, and type of tumor. We’ll keep you updated with our findings throughout your treatment so you can make informed decisions about your condition. 

5. Medical and surgical advances

Even when your tumor requires surgery, there’s room for optimism. Advances in treatment include minimally invasive surgical approaches that do little damage to healthy tissue around the spine, considerably reducing your recovery time. 

Our neurosurgeons specialize in this form of “keyhole surgery” for the best patient experience and successful treatment of the tumor. 

There’s plenty of room for hope after a spine tumor diagnosis. That said, we don’t want you to wait and not have it evaluated or treated. Being proactive about your care is the best solution.

In Long Beach, California, Coast Neurosurgical Associates is your first stop for spine tumor consultation. Call or click to book your appointment today.