Hearing the words “spinal tumor” can be frightening. Fortunately, many spinal tumors are benign and highly treatable when diagnosed early.
One of the most common benign spinal tumors is called a schwannoma. As a leading neurosurgeon in Los Angeles, I specialize in minimally invasive spinal tumor removal for patients throughout Marina Del Rey, Tarzana, and beyond.
Understanding what a schwannoma is, recognizing the symptoms it may cause, and knowing the available treatment options can help patients feel more informed and confident when seeking care.
A schwannoma is a tumor that develops from Schwann cells, which form the protective covering around peripheral nerves. These tumors most commonly develop along the spinal nerves within or near the spinal canal and often grow slowly over time.
These tumors are typically:
Although schwannomas are usually noncancerous, they can still cause pain, numbness, weakness, or balance problems as they enlarge and place pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent worsening symptoms and neurological complications.
Schwannomas may occur in:
Because they arise from nerves, symptoms often depend on the tumor’s location.
Small schwannomas may produce no symptoms initially, especially when they are not placing pressure on nearby nerves. Because these tumors typically grow slowly, symptoms can develop gradually and may be mistaken for more common spine conditions.
As tumors enlarge, they can compress nearby nerves or the spinal cord, leading to increasing pain, neurological symptoms, and difficulty with movement or balance.
Common Symptoms Include:
Some patients experience symptoms for months before diagnosis, particularly when the tumor grows slowly or symptoms appear intermittently. Early evaluation can help identify the condition before more serious neurological problems develop.
An MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing spinal tumors because it provides detailed images of the spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding soft tissues.
An MRI allows neurosurgeons to evaluate:
In many cases, schwannomas appear as well-circumscribed masses that enhance with contrast imaging. MRI findings also help guide treatment planning and determine whether minimally invasive surgical removal may be an option.
The vast majority of schwannomas are benign.
However, even benign tumors can cause serious neurological problems if they compress nerves or the spinal cord.
For this reason, treatment is often recommended when:
Traditional spinal tumor surgery often requires large incisions and significant muscle disruption.
Today, many schwannomas can be removed using minimally invasive techniques.
Benefits may include:
As a fellowship-trained spine surgeon, I specialize in advanced minimally invasive spinal tumor removal designed to preserve neurological function and improve recovery.
Every case is unique, but surgery generally involves:
Advanced surgical microscopes, imaging guidance, and neuromonitoring help maximize precision and safety.
Many patients experience improvement in pain or neurological symptoms after surgery.
Recovery depends on:
Some patients return home within one or two days, especially after minimally invasive procedures.
Spinal tumors are relatively uncommon and require specialized expertise.
Choosing an experienced spinal tumor surgeon is important because these procedures involve delicate structures, including:
My background includes advanced spine surgery training, minimally invasive techniques, and NIH-funded research focused on surgical innovation. I use modern surgical approaches designed to maximize tumor removal while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues, reducing recovery time, and helping patients return to daily activities as safely and quickly as possible.
You should seek evaluation if you experience:
Early diagnosis can improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of permanent neurological damage.
Patients diagnosed with spinal tumors often benefit from obtaining a second opinion, especially when surgery has been recommended. A second opinion can help clarify the diagnosis, review treatment options, and provide confidence in the next steps.
I provide comprehensive spinal tumor evaluations for patients throughout Los Angeles and for individuals traveling nationally for specialized care, with a focus on personalized treatment planning and advanced surgical options.
If you have been diagnosed with a schwannoma or another spinal tumor, expert evaluation is essential.
I offer advanced minimally invasive spinal tumor removal and personalized treatment plans focused on safety, neurological preservation, and recovery. Schedule a spinal tumor evaluation or second opinion consultation today.
