New York Spine Institute Spine Services

Intramedullary Tumors

INTRAMEDULLARY TUMORS TREATMENT IN NYC & LONG ISLAND

New York Spine Institute specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Intramedullary tumors. Visit any of our locations throughout Greater New York City to receive the highest quality of care from our doctors and spinal specialists.*

Intramedullary tumors are another type of spinal cord tumors that exist within the dura mater. The dura is a thick membrane that encompasses the spinal cord. These specific tumors can cause pain, neurological issues, and loss of sensation. For most patients, the first symptom is generalized back pain.*

For some patients who are diagnosed with intramedullary tumors, early diagnosis is key for optimal recovery and successful surgery when necessary. Surgical removal of the tumors can be curative and early detection allows for more positive results.*

Here at NYSI, our doctors have years of experience dealing with intramedullary tumors and spinal conditions. When needed one of our surgeons, who are leaders in the industry, can perform necessary procedures to improve your quality of life, like relieve pain and restore muscle weakness.*

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Why Choose NYSI

Quality Care

We offer comprehensive care for all of our NYSI patients, including therapies, observation, and surgery when necessary. Our doctors and surgeons are board certified and experienced with tumors of the spine.*

Industry Leaders

Under the direction of our medical director Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS, our staff here at NYSI all have extensive backgrounds in dealing with the spine and tumors of the spine.*

Multiple Languages

We treat patients from all over the globe here at NYSI, which is why our staff is capable of speaking in multiple languages. With inclusive treatment we are noted as one of the best spinal care facilities in the area.*

Alexandre B. De Moura, M.D. FAAOS - DIRECTOR, NEW YORK SPINE INSTITUTE

Understanding the Causes Of Your Intramedullary Tumors

The cause behind intramedullary tumors is unclear, though some experts suspect a link between genetic defects or exposure to certain chemicals. In some cases, these tumors can be linked back to inherited conditions, like neurofibromatosis type 2.*

Timothy T. Roberts, M.D. ORTHOPEDIC SPINE SPECIALIST

Diagnosing Your Intramedullary Tumors

Every patient who receives care from us will first undergo a physical exam along with an in-depth review of their medical history. Early detection of spinal tumors is key for a successful outcome.*

Though back pain typically doesn’t turn out to be a tumor, there are some signs you can look out for when deciding to call a doctor*.

  • The pain is constant and worsens
  • The pain isn’t the result of recent injury or exercise
  • You have a history of cancer in your family and develop back pain
  • You have other signs of cancer, like nausea or dizziness
  • Pain that radiates to other parts of your body
  • Loss of sensation or muscle weakness

Continuing with your diagnostic profile your doctors may recommend certain imaging tests be done to confirm the intramedullary tumor and determine its position and size. Results and images from these tests can help determine the best course of treatment for you. The following are the most common forms of image testing that you may undergo here at NYSI.*

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)– A reliable source for diagnosing your tumor. Images from an MRI can show spinal cord compression and anatomy of your spine.*
  • Computed tomography (CT)– A CT scan can help determine the size and location of your intramedullary tumor, which gives insight to the stage of the tumor.*
  • X-rays– One of the most common imaging tests, an X-ray can reveal your spines alignment and help guide doctors to treatment options that are best for you.*
Angel Macagno, M.D. FAAOS - ORTHOPEDIC SPINE SPECIALIST at NYSI

Treatment Options For Your Intramedullary Tumors

In order to create a customized treatment plan, your doctor will take multiple factors, like your tumors size and rate of growth, into account. Here at NYSI our entire staff of doctors, specialists, and surgeons offer our patients advanced medical surgeries and technology.*

When dealing with intramedullary tumor treatment there are a few options to choose from based off of your particular case. For slow-growing tumors that have no severe symptoms attached you may be recommended a nonsurgical treatment option. On the other hand, those with debilitating pain or large tumors, one of our advanced surgeries may be the optimal choice.*

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Some of the most common nonsurgical treatment options for Intramedullary Tumors are observation, radiation or chemotherapy.*

Surgical Treatment Options

With advanced medical instruments and top surgeons here at NYSI your spinal surgery will be precise and an effective way of treatment for your intramedullary tumor.*

Some surgeries that may be conducted are*:

  • Posterolateral resection
  • En bloc resection
  • Spinal cord decompression

Since this type of tumor grows within the sensitive cells of the spinal cord, surgery may cause certain risks to nerve impairment. Your doctor will fully review your case and go over all options with you before recommending that you undergo surgery.*

*The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment will vary by patient and condition. New York Spine Institute does not guarantee certain results.

Spine doctor examining patient's back

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