Spinal Tumours

Understanding the Condition & Finding Lasting Relief

What Are Spinal Tumours?

Spinal tumours are abnormal growths that develop within or near the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Spinal tumours are abnormal growths that develop within or near the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Intradural extramedular tumours occur inside the dura mater (the protective membrane surrounding the spinal cord), while intramedullary tumours grow within the spinal cord itself. These tumours may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can cause progressive neurological symptoms by compressing the spinal cord and nerves.

As tumours grow, they may lead to chronic pain, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or even loss of bladder and bowel control. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent spinal cord damage and improve quality of life.

How Spinal Tumours Impact Your Life

Without treatment, spinal tumours can lead to:

  • Progressive nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain and disability.

  • Loss of mobility, making walking and daily activities difficult.

  • Bowel or bladder dysfunction, significantly affecting quality of life.

  • Permanent spinal cord damage if left untreated.

Early intervention can prevent long-term complications and significantly improve outcomes.

Common Causes of Spinal Tumours

  • Genetic Factors


    Some tumours are linked to genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis or Von Hippel-Lindau disease.

  • Metastatic Cancer


    Some malignant spinal tumours originate from cancers in other parts of the body, such as lung, breast, or prostate cancer.

  • Primary Spinal Tumours


    Tumours that arise within the spinal cord or surrounding tissues without spreading from other areas.

  • Radiation Exposure


    In rare cases, spinal tumours may develop after radiation therapy.

How Mr Gordan Grahovac Can Help

As a Consultant Neurosurgeon & Complex Spinal Surgeon, Mr Grahovac specialises in diagnosing and treating spinal tumours. Whether through non-surgical therapies, minimally invasive procedures, or complex spinal surgery, he creates individualised treatment plans to remove or manage tumours while preserving spinal function.

To accurately diagnose spinal tumours, Mr Grahovac may conduct:

  1. Medical History & Physical Examination – Assessing symptoms, pain patterns, and neurological function.

  2. MRI with Contrast – The gold standard imaging for identifying spinal tumours and assessing their location and size.

  3. CT Scan & Myelography – Helps evaluate the spinal canal and assess tumour compression.

  4. Biopsy (For Certain Tumours) – If necessary, a small tissue sample may be taken to determine the tumour type and guide treatment.

His Diagnostic Process:

Treatment Options for Spinal Tumours

Mr Grahovac and the teams he works with take a holistic approach to your treatment, considering the severity of your symptoms, underlying condition, and overall well-being to create a personalised plan that promotes long-term relief and spinal health.

    • Pain Management Strategies – Includes anti-inflammatory medications, nerve pain relievers, and muscle relaxants.

    • Monitoring– Surveillance monitoring to see if the tumor is showing any signs of growth in cases when the patient is neurologically intact.

    • Corticosteroid therapy– Used to reduce inflammation and swelling around the tumour, relieving pressure on the spinal cord.

    • Tumour Resection (Complete or Partial Removal) – The goal is to remove as much of the tumour as safely possible while preserving spinal cord function.

    • Spinal Stabilisation Surgery – If the tumour has weakened the spine, stabilisation with screws, rods, or spinal fusion may be necessary.

    • Spinal Fusion Surgery – When tumour removal compromises spinal stability, fusion helps prevent spinal deformity and instability.

    • Radiation Therapy (For Malignant Tumours) – May be recommended to shrink or control tumour growth after surgery.

    • Chemotherapy (For Cancerous Tumours) – Used in cases where the tumour is malignant and spreading.

What Patients Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions: Spinal Tumours

  • Spinal tumours often cause persistent back pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking. The pain may worsen at night or not improve with rest.

  • Some benign tumours may be monitored if they do not cause symptoms. However, most progressive, painful, or malignant tumours require intervention, ranging from steroid therapy to surgery.

  • No, many spinal tumours are benign and do not spread. However, malignant tumours require urgent treatment to prevent further complications.

  • The survival rate depends on the tumour type (benign or malignant), location, and whether it has spread from other parts of the body. Early detection improves outcomes.

    • Minimally invasive procedures – 4–6 weeks.

    • Complex tumour resections with spinal fusion – 3–6 months recovery.

    • Rehabilitation may be required to regain strength and mobility.

  • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

    • Severe, persistent back pain that worsens at night.

    • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.

    • Loss of bladder or bowel control.

Take the First Step Towards Relief

A spinal tumour does not have to limit your life. Whether you need monitoring, non-invasive treatment, or advanced spinal surgery, Mr Gordan Grahovac is here to help.

Book a consultation today and start your journey towards lasting relief.