Cervical Tumor Resection

A cervical tumor resection is a specialized surgical procedure to remove abnormal growths in the cervical spine. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may arise from the spine itself (primary tumors) or spread from another part of the body (metastatic tumors). When left untreated, cervical spine tumors can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, weakness, numbness, or even loss of motor function.

At the Brain and Spine Center of Texas, our expert neurosurgeons use state-of-the-art surgical techniques to safely remove spinal tumors while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible.

Cervical tumor resection may be required for patients experiencing:

• Chronic neck pain that worsens over time.
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance due to spinal cord compression.
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction caused by nerve compression.
• Tumor growth that threatens spinal stability or neurological function.

Removing the tumor can relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, prevent further neurological damage, and improve overall quality of life.

Cervical tumor resection is performed under general anesthesia and involves:

1. Surgical Approach – Depending on the tumor’s location, the surgeon may access the spine from the front (anterior approach) or the back (posterior approach).
2. Tumor Removal – Using microsurgical techniques and imaging guidance, the surgeon carefully removes the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
3. Spinal Stabilization – If necessary, bone grafts, plates, rods, or screws may be used to reinforce spinal stability after tumor removal.
4. Closure & Recovery – The incision is sutured, and the patient is closely monitored for post-surgical recovery.

The procedure length varies based on tumor size and location but typically takes several hours. In some cases, additional treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended post-surgery for malignant tumors.

After surgery, patients can expect:

• Hospital Stay – Typically 2-5 days, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
• Pain Management – Medications to control post-operative discomfort.
• Physical Therapy – Rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility, and function.
• Activity Restrictions – Avoiding heavy lifting and excessive neck movement for several weeks.
• Follow-Up Appointments – Regular check-ups and imaging to monitor healing and detect any recurrence.

Recovery time varies, but most patients experience significant symptom relief within a few weeks to months.

• Highly Skilled Neurosurgeons – Experts in complex spinal tumor removal.
• Advanced Technology & Techniques – Utilizing minimally invasive and microsurgical approaches.
• Comprehensive Care – Coordinated treatment plans including surgery, rehabilitation, and post-operative support.
• Personalized Treatment – Every procedure is tailored to the patient’s unique condition.