Spinal tumor surgery is performed by Dr. Sean McCance, a board certified best in class NYC spine surgeon, to remove a tumor that is in the vertebrae of compressing the spinal cord. A spine tumor is the abnormal growth of uncontrolled tissues or cells in and around the vertebrae or spinal cord. There are many different tumors that can develop in the spine. Tumors can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Secondary (or metastatic) spinal tumors occur when the cancer cells arise from the breast, lungs, kidneys, prostate, or other organs and spread to the spine. 

The most common symptoms of a spine tumor include persistent and chronic back pain, loss of sensation in legs, arms, ankle, knee, difficulty balancing, numbness, and / or burning and tingling sensation in arms or legs. Some people may additionally experience bladder or bowel control issues.

I am very fortunate to have had my extremely complicated surgery performed by Dr. McCance a year ago this June. He did an excellent job! I am pain free and can now walk -something I could not do for years. I highly recommend Dr. McCance to anyone who is considering spinal surgery. ~ RateMDs

How Does The Doctor Make The Diagnosis Of A Spine Tumor

  • Medical History: Critical information results from a thorough and accurate medical history. You will be asked about your unique symptoms (duration and progression) and questions including: When did this problem begin? Have your symptoms changed over time? Are any areas of your body affected? Does anything make the symptoms better or worse? Does the problem interfere with daily activities or sleep? etc.
  • Diagnostic Imaging: Imaging the spine tumor and surrounding area is crucial. Most spine tumors will require X-rays, MRIs, CAT Scans, etc. Some patients will require blood or urine tests.
  • Biopsy: The only definite way of making the diagnosis of a tumor is to take a piece of tissue and analyzing it (biopsy). If possible, a biopsy is taken before any further treatment (including surgery) is planned. In cases where spinal tumor surgery is required in order to properly contend with the complications of the tumors (for example spinal cord compression), the tissue sample is taken at the time of the spine tumor surgery. If the tumor is metastatic and cancer has spread from the place where it originated to another place in the body, patients will often undergo a series of tests trying to find the primary tumor.

Spine Tumor Surgery

Spine tumor removal surgery is performed by the NYC spine tumor surgeon to remove the tumor and stabilize the affected area. Indications for spine tumor surgery require combining the latest in evidence-based medicine and surgical techniques with the particular needs and concerns of each individual patient.

Surgery for spine tumors typically involves tumor removal (partial or complete), depending on the situation or spinal stabilization with screws and rods, and sometimes vertebrae replacement with cages may be used.

Our best in class, Upper East Side, NYC back & neck pain diagnosis & surgery practice, Spine Associates, is honored to provide you with highly personalized and comprehensive care. Our philosophy of direct management of your case by an expert spine surgeon has made us one of the most trusted and respected spine surgery practices on the Upper East Side in NYC and the world. Feel free to contact the spinal tumor surgery specialist today to discuss your unique spinal tumor condition and start yourself on the road to recovery.

Dr. Sean McCance
1155 Park Avenue, Suite E
New York, NY 10128
(212) 360-6500