Advanced Spinal Tumour Surgery in Mumbai
A spinal tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within or near the spinal cord or the surrounding bone and vertebrae. Tumors can either originate in the spine itself (primary tumors) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic tumors). These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), affecting spinal stability and neural pathways. For expert surgical evaluation and intervention, Dr. Vikram Karmarkar provides specialized spinal tumour surgery in Mumbai at Bombay Hospital, Marine Lines.
Consultation & Location Info
Hospital: Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre, 12, Vitthaldas Thackersey Marg, New Marine Lines, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020.
Specialist: Dr. Vikram Karmarkar (Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Specialist)
Direct Helpline / WhatsApp: +91 99306 81273 | Book Appointment Online
Frequently Asked Questions: Spinal Tumour Treatment
Who performs specialized spinal tumour surgery in Mumbai?
Dr. Vikram Karmarkar is a leading neurosurgeon in Mumbai with extensive expertise in microscopic and minimally invasive spinal tumor resections at Bombay Hospital, Marine Lines.
What are the primary goals of spinal tumour surgery?
The primary goals are to safely remove or debulk the tumor, relieve compression on the spinal cord, stabilize the spinal column, and preserve neurological function.
Types of Spinal Tumors
- Intramedullary Tumors: Tumors that originate directly within the spinal cord tissue itself, such as ependymomas and astrocytomas.
- Extramedullary Tumors: Tumors that develop in the structures surrounding the spinal cord, including meningiomas, nerve sheath tumors (schwannomas), and neurofibromas.
- Vertebral Column (Bone) Tumors: Growths originating in the vertebrae bones, which can be primary bone tumors or metastatic lesions spreading from other primary cancers.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Primary Tumors: The precise origin is often idiopathic, though certain genetic syndromes and hereditary conditions elevate risk.
- Secondary/Metastatic Tumors: Most common in older adults, resulting from cancer cells migrating to the spine from primary sites such as the lungs, breast, prostate, or kidneys.
Symptoms of Spinal Tumors
- Persistent Back or Neck Pain: Deep, aching pain that tends to worsen at night or with physical activity and does not resolve with standard rest.
- Neurological Deficits: Progressive weakness, numbness, or loss of sensation in the arms or legs.
- Sphincter Impairment: Difficulty with bowel or bladder control, representing an urgent medical red flag.
- Gait Disturbance: Balance issues, unsteadiness, or difficulty walking safely.
- Radicular Pain: Discomfort radiating outward from the spine along nerve pathways into the chest, abdomen, or limbs.
Diagnosis
- Advanced Imaging: High-resolution MRI or CT scans to precisely map the tumor's size, margins, and exact impact on the spinal cord and vertebrae.
- Biopsy: Histopathological analysis of a tissue sample to categorize the tumor type and plan personalized treatment strategies.
Treatment Options
Management usually requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach tailored to the tumor pathology:
| Treatment Modality | Procedure Overview | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Microsurgical Resection & Stabilization | Precise microscopic tumor removal coupled with spinal instrumentation and fusion if bone stability is compromised. | Decompress neural structures and restore mechanical stability to the spine. |
| Radiation Therapy | Targeted high-energy radiation beams directed at residual malignant tissue. | Destroy cancer cells and inhibit future tumor growth. |
| Chemotherapy & Targeted Agents | Systemic pharmaceutical treatments designed to attack specific cancer cell pathways. | Control systemic disease progression and manage specific tumor types. |
Prognosis and Recovery
Prognosis depends heavily on tumor histology, location, whether it is benign or malignant, and the promptness of medical intervention. Early detection and expert microsurgical care greatly enhance functional preservation and long-term recovery.
Comprehensive management is coordinated closely with a dedicated team of neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation specialists to deliver holistic patient care.
To schedule a clinical evaluation for spinal tumour surgery in Mumbai, consult Dr. Vikram Karmarkar at Bombay Hospital. Connect via WhatsApp (+91 99306 81273) or use our online contact form.