Spinal tumor program
The Penn Medicine Spinal Tumor program combines the expertise of leaders in neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, and other specialists to diagnose and treat tumors that affect the spinal cord and spinal column.
Comprehensive care for all spine tumors
Specialists and clinicians in our Spinal Tumor Program are dedicated to making sure you’re getting the best treatment for your spine tumor from every perspective. Your care team is made up of different types of doctors and healthcare experts who work together to take care of all your needs. Since not all spinal tumors are cancerous, we have teams that specialize in the treatment of both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors to precisely detect the best treatment method for your diagnosis.
For more than 50 years, we’ve been named a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute for our cancer prevention, clinical services, and research. This is the highest federal rating a cancer center can achieve. In addition, we’ve been recognized for high standards of patient care, education, and research.
Cancer care at Penn Medicine
Clinical trials
Our clinical trials pave the way for research breakthroughs and new, effective cancer treatments.
Second opinions
If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.
Support services
Through these offerings, you can receive specialized physical and emotional support during cancer treatment.
Spinal tumors may be found on your spinal cord or spinal column. Tumors that are located inside the cervical spinal cord or spinal cord in the neck are called intramedullary tumors. These tumors are often benign (non-cancerous) and their symptoms may include headaches, nausea, blurred vision, and tingling or loss of sensation in limbs.
Types of spinal cord tumors include:
- Astrocytomas
- Ependymomas
- Hemangioblastomas
Tumors that involve the bones of the spinal column are usually metastatic, or cancer that has traveled from another part of your body. The most common metastatic spinal tumors in women are from the breast and lung. In men, metastatic spinal tumors are most often from the prostate and lung. These tumors may cause pain.
Types of spinal column cancer:
- Chordoma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Epidural hemangiomas
- Ewings sarcoma
- Giant Cell tumor
- Lipoma
- Nerve sheath tumor
- Osteoid Osteoma
- Osteblastoma
Advanced and precise spinal tumor treatment options
Penn Medicine’s Spinal Tumor Program treats both cancerous and non-cancerous spinal column and spinal cord tumors using advanced imaging and surgical technology. Together with our neuro-oncology team, we create a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes radiation and chemotherapy for malignant spinal tumors.
TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) was researched and developed at Penn Medicine, and we became the first medical center in the world to offer this state-of-the-art surgical technology in 2005. TORS uses the da Vinci® Surgical System to give head and neck surgeons at Penn access to tumors in areas of the throat that are difficult to reach with traditional surgery. Our TORS staff members include leading surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and clinicians using minimally invasive robotic surgery techniques to treat patients with spinal tumors.
We offer many treatment options for spinal cord and spinal column tumors. Our care team will talk with you about the treatment approach that’s best for you.
Navigating spine cancer care with compassionate support
If you are facing a cancer diagnosis, it can affect all aspects of your life and the lives of your loved ones, too. Our spinal tumor care team passionately believes that our role extends beyond medical intervention; it encompasses tools and guidance needed to navigate each stage of your journey. Your care team has extensive knowledge of the inner workings of our healthcare system and can guide you through the process—from navigating insurance to scheduling spine tumor treatments to working with our pharmacists. We’re here to lead you through this journey.
Our goal is to surround you and your family with compassion and understanding, ensuring that you feel empowered, supported, and deeply cared for while partnering with our teams throughout your spine tumor treatment. From understanding your disease to managing treatment side effects to recovery, we want to make sure you’re receiving the support you need.
Our support services include:
- Counseling for patients and their families
- Home care services
- Hospice
- Nutritional counseling
- Palliative care and pain management
- Patient education
- Patient navigators
- Stress management
- Support groups
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Locations
Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.