Tumors Specialist

Spine Solutions

Orthopedic Spine Surgeons located in Hollywood, FL, Coral Gables, FL, & Boca Raton, FL

Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that develop when there’s an unusual growth in cells. Tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Treatment for tumors may depend on the type and location and how it affects your body. Behnam Myers, DO, MPH, and Howard Levene, MD, PhD, at Spine Solutions in Hollywood, Boca Raton, and Coral Gables, Florida, specialize in treating tumors that affect the spine and brain. Call the office nearest you or schedule a consultation online today.

Tumors Q&A

What are spine tumors?

Spine tumors are abnormal masses of cells that grow in or around the tissue in your spinal canal or spinal column. Dr. Myers and Dr. Levene classify spine tumors by the area of the spine they occur -- cervical, thoracic, or lumbar.

They further classify these tumors by their location within your spine:

Intradural-extramedullary

Intradural-extramedullary spinal tumors grow within the spinal cord covering (dura) but don’t involve the spinal cord.

Intramedullary

Intramedullary tumors are spinal tumors that grow in the spinal cord.

Extradural

Extradural tumors are spine tumors that grow outside the dura.

These tumors may be benign or malignant.

What are brain tumors?

Brain tumors are abnormal masses of cells located in the brain. There are more than 150 known types of brain tumors. Spine surgeons classify brain tumors by location and the types of cells that make up the tumor.

Like spine tumors, brain tumors may be benign or malignant.

What happens during a consultation for tumors?

When you visit Spine Solutions for a tumor consultation, you can expect a comprehensive, patient-centered exam. Your provider reviews your medical history and symptoms and performs a physical exam.

They also run imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan to assess the size and location of your tumor. The board-certified spine surgeons may request a biopsy to determine if your tumor is benign or malignant.

Spine Solutions also offers MRI reviews for second opinions.

How are spine and brain tumors treated?

Treatment for spine and brain tumors depends on tumor type, size, location, and how it affects your health. The board-certified spine surgeons work closely with you and your other health care providers to develop the most effective treatment plan.

If you need surgery to remove your tumor, Dr. Myers or Dr. Levene design a personalized surgical plan to remove as much of your tumor, if not all, as possible.

For spinal tumors, your surgery may be complex and involve multiple levels of your spine. The spine surgeons may remove the growth and a portion of your vertebral bone and then perform a spinal fusion to stabilize your spine.

For brain tumors, your surgeon uses innovative tools and techniques to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Find out more about tumor treatment options by calling Spine Solutions or scheduling an appointment online today.

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