SPINE TUMOR TREATMENT IN FLORIDA
SPINE TUMORS
Neurosurgeon & Brain Tumor Specialist located in South Miami, FL & Hialeah, FL, & Weston, FL
A spine tumor may affect the structure and function of your spine, causing pain or affecting mobility. At his practice in South Miami, Hialeah, and Weston, Florida, Jose Valerio, MD, conducts exhaustive medical evaluations to diagnose spine tumors and create the most effective treatment plan. The fellowship-trained neurosurgical oncologist uses advanced tools and techniques when removing a spine tumor so you get the most positive results. Call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.
Spine Tumor Q & A
What is a spine tumor?
A spine tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that forms on or near your spine. These types of tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Dr. Valerio classifies a spine tumor by location, including:
Intramedullary tumors
Intramedullary spine tumors are tumors that form within your spinal cord.
Extramedullary tumors
Extramedullary tumors are abnormal growths that develop outside the spinal cord. They may grow outside the membrane that protects your spinal cord or around the nerve roots.
You may also develop metastatic spine tumors, which occur when other types of cancer (breast, colon, lung) spread to your spine.What are the symptoms of a spine tumor?
Spine tumor symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the abnormal growth. Symptoms you might have with a spine tumor include:
● Pain at the site of the abnormal growth● Back pain● Decrease in senses (pain, temperature)● Difficulty walking● Loss of bowel or bladder function● Muscle weakness in the arms or legs● Loss of sensation in the arms or legs
Back pain is one of the most common early signs of a spine tumor. This type of pain may also radiate into your arms and legs.What happens during a spine tumor evaluation?
Dr. Valerio is an experienced and highly skilled neurosurgical oncologist. When you visit his office with concerns about a spine tumor, he conducts an extensive evaluation to fully understand your condition so he can develop the most effective treatment plan.
During your visit, he reviews your symptoms and medical history and does a physical exam. Dr. Valerio requests imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to determine the location and size of your tumor. He may also request a biopsy to determine tumor type and aggressiveness.How is a spine tumor treated?
Dr. Valerio creates individualized treatment plans for spine tumors based on location, size, and type, as well as your symptoms. He spends time talking to you about your treatment options so you can make an informed decision on how you want to proceed.
When you need surgery to remove your spine tumor, Dr. Valerio uses the most advanced tools and techniques possible so you get the best results. This includes gamma knife radiosurgery, or stereotactic radiosurgery, which is a type of radiation that removes the tumor without incisions.