Spine Tumors — Matthew Mian, MD

What are spinal tumors?

Spinal tumors can be a rare cause of pain, sensory changes, and/or weakness. Tumors can occur anywhere along the spine and can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their size, location, and rate of growth. Spinal tumors are usually diagnosed with an MRI. Common types of tumors include metastases from cancer elsewhere in the body and meningiomas.

How are spinal tumors treated?

Some tumors are best treated with surgery to remove them, while others can be safely managed with radiation or medications. Certain tumors don’t need to be treated at all! Treatment is highly personalized.

Photos and videos from example cases

Below are photographs and videos from example spine tumor cases.

Removal of a spinal tumor: MRI views showing the tumor and the angle of attack

Removal and stabilization for a metastatic spine tumor: an MRI showing the tumor and spinal cord, and an X-ray after surgery

Spinal meningioma: an MRI of the spine with the spinal cord and tumor labeled

Nerve sheath tumor: operative photographs and an MRI showing the tumor before and after removal

Spinal meningioma: an MRI and operative photographs of the tumor and spinal cord

Spinal cord compression from a vertebral fracture due to metastasis, with the surgical approach and fusion hardware shown

Spinal meningioma: an MRI and operative photographs before and after removal

Surgery for a spinal metastasis: an MRI and post-operative X-rays with the tumor and the decompressed spinal cord labeled

Should I meet with you?

If you live near Denver and have a spinal tumor, please consider meeting me in consultation to learn about treatment options.

Spinal Tumors