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Expert Diagnosis and Treatment for Tumors of the Spine

Being diagnosed with a spinal tumor can be overwhelming. Whether benign or malignant, these growths can impact nerves, spinal stability, and overall quality of life. At New York Spine Institute in Westbury, NY, our board-certified spine specialists provide advanced, individualized care for patients with tumors of the spine—offering both surgical and nonsurgical options grounded in leading-edge science and deep compassion.

Located at 761 Merrick Avenue, our Westbury office is equipped with on-site diagnostics, experienced surgeons, and a multidisciplinary care team ready to guide you through every step of evaluation, treatment, and recovery.

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What Is a Spinal Tumor?

A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue located within or near the spinal cord or vertebrae. These tumors can be:

  • Benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous)
  • Primary, meaning they originated in the spine
  • Secondary, meaning they spread from another area of the body (metastatic)
  • Aggressive, growing quickly and invading nearby tissue
  • Slow-growing, often monitored over time if asymptomatic

Tumors are also classified based on their location:

  • Intramedullary – within the spinal cord
  • Intradural-extramedullary – inside the spinal canal but outside the cord
  • Extradural – outside the spinal canal, often in the vertebrae

They can develop in any region of the spine—cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), or sacral.

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What Causes Spinal Tumors?

In many cases, the exact cause of a spinal tumor is unknown. Some may be linked to genetic disorders, immune system irregularities, or prior exposure to cancer-causing agents. However, the majority of spinal tumors—especially metastatic tumors—are secondary cancers that have spread from other areas such as the lungs, breasts, or prostate.

Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Spinal tumors may not cause symptoms early on, but as they grow, they can lead to:

  • Persistent or severe back pain, especially at night
  • Neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms or legs
  • Difficulty walking, loss of coordination, or sudden falls
  • Bladder or bowel dysfunction
  • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially in combination, it’s important to consult a specialist. Early diagnosis is critical to managing the tumor and preventing permanent nerve damage.

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Diagnosing Spinal Tumors at NYSI Westbury

Our comprehensive diagnostic process includes:

  • Medical history and physical exam, focusing on neurological symptoms
  • Advanced imaging such as:
    • MRI (most effective for visualizing tumors and spinal cord involvement)
    • CT scans to assess bone involvement
    • X-rays for general spine structure
  • Biopsy – A tissue sample is taken for lab analysis to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant

Once the tumor is confirmed and classified, our team will develop a personalized treatment plan in collaboration with your referring physician and other specialists, including oncologists if needed.

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Treatment Options for Spinal Tumors

Treatment depends on the type, location, size, and behavior of the tumor, as well as your overall health and goals.

Non-Surgical Treatment

  • Observation – For small, slow-growing tumors with minimal symptoms
  • Radiation therapy – Often used to shrink tumors or manage recurrence
  • Chemotherapy – Typically used for malignant or metastatic tumors in coordination with an oncology team

Surgical Treatment

If the tumor is causing neurological deficits, spinal instability, or intractable pain, surgery may be recommended. Options include:

  • Decompression surgery – Removal of the tumor or part of it to relieve pressure on nerves

  • Spinal stabilization procedures, such as:

    • Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, which restore strength to weakened vertebrae

    • Instrumentation and fusion, when spinal support is compromised

  • Embolization, a technique to reduce blood supply to the tumor, making it easier to remove or shrink

Each procedure is performed with a focus on preserving nerve function, relieving symptoms, and improving overall spine integrity.

Why Choose NYSI Westbury for Tumor Treatment?

Treating spinal tumors requires experience, coordination, and advanced technology. At NYSI’s Westbury location, patients receive care from a team of industry-recognized leaders in spine surgery and neuro-orthopedic medicine. We approach each case with clarity, urgency, and compassion—ensuring that patients feel heard, informed, and supported.

What sets NYSI apart:

  • Leadership under Dr. Alexandre B. de Moura, a pioneer in spine care
  • Access to MRI, CT, and X-ray imaging on-site
  • Full integration of surgical, nonsurgical, and rehabilitative care
  • Staff fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Russian
  • Proven success with complex and high-risk spinal cases

Schedule a Consultation in Westbury Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a spinal tumor—or is experiencing symptoms that may be related—don’t wait. Our spine tumor specialists in Westbury, NY are ready to provide the answers and expert care you need.

Schedule your consultation today. Your path to relief and recovery starts here.

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