
in New York & New Jersey
Tumors affecting the spine can cause more than just discomfort—they can disrupt mobility, compromise nerve function, and affect nearly every part of daily life.
Whether benign or malignant, these growths require careful evaluation and a treatment plan tailored to your specific diagnosis and overall health. At The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care, we specialize in managing complex spinal conditions with clarity, precision, and compassion.
Led by board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, our team combines advanced imaging, expert surgical skill, and thoughtful non-surgical care to support each patient's path to recovery. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, we’re committed to helping you regain strength, reduce pain, and protect your long-term quality of life—one step at a time.
Tumors of the spine are abnormal growths that can develop within the spinal column.
These tumors can originate from the spinal cord, nerve roots, bones, or surrounding tissues. Depending on their location and characteristics, they can cause various symptoms and affect spinal function. The presence of spinal tumors can significantly impact an individual's daily life. Chronic pain associated with the tumor can make simple activities such as walking or sitting challenging. Sensory disturbances can interfere with fine motor skills like writing or performing delicate tasks.
Spinal tumors can develop in different areas of the spine and may be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Some begin in the spine itself, while others spread from cancer in another part of the body. Understanding the type of tumor you have is essential for planning the most effective treatment.
Primary tumors originate in the spine or spinal cord and may include meningiomas, schwannomas, or chordomas. Metastatic tumors, which are far more common, occur when cancer from another area, such as the lung, breast, or prostate, spreads to the spine. Tumors may also be classified by their location: intradural (inside the spinal cord’s protective covering), extradural (outside the cord but within the spine), or intramedullary (within the spinal cord itself). Each type requires a personalized approach to ensure both safety and effectiveness in care.
Spine tumors can present with a range of symptoms, depending on their size, location, and rate of growth. Some signs may be subtle at first, while others appear suddenly or worsen quickly. Common symptoms include:
Because these symptoms can also overlap with other spinal conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential. If you’re experiencing any of these issues—especially if they’ve developed recently or are progressing—early evaluation can make a significant difference in treatment success and overall quality of life.
Diagnosing tumors of the spine requires both clinical precision and advanced imaging. At The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care, we begin with a comprehensive physical evaluation and a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and any neurological changes you may be experiencing, such as numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking. These insights help us determine which areas of the spine may be affected and guide further testing.
To confirm the presence and type of spinal tumor, we rely on state-of-the-art diagnostic tools including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI imaging. X-rays can reveal structural abnormalities, while CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional views of both bone and soft tissue. MRI is particularly valuable for identifying tumors involving the spinal cord, nerve roots, or surrounding structures, offering high-resolution images that help differentiate between tumor types. This combination of expert clinical evaluation and advanced technology allows Dr. Okubadejo to make an accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan that reflects the complexity and specifics of your condition.
Spine cancer treatment depends on various factors, including the type of tumor, its location, stage, and your overall health. Non-surgical spine cancer treatment options focus on alleviating pain, reducing tumor size, and improving your quality of life.
In certain cases, surgery may be necessary for spine cancer treatment. Our experienced team will create a personalized treatment plan designed to address your specific tumor characteristics and optimize your chances of recovery.
Non-surgical therapies offer conservative, non-invasive methods to alleviate pain and restore functionality.
Our success rates with non-surgical options are exceptional, allowing you to explore alternatives to surgery.
In cases where surgical intervention is required, Dr. Okubadejo is a highly skilled and experienced spine surgeon, specializing in a range of advanced surgical procedures.
We prioritize patient safety and education. Dr. Okubadejo will ensure you understand each step of your treatment plan, including the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each surgical option.
Patients undergoing treatment for spinal tumors at the Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care often experience significant improvements in pain relief, mobility, and overall quality of life.
By addressing the tumor’s impact on the spinal cord and surrounding structures, we help alleviate symptoms such as back pain, weakness, or numbness—making it easier for patients to return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence. Whether the treatment involves non-surgical management or advanced spinal surgery, our goal is always to improve stability, protect neurological function, and support long-term well-being.
Under the expert care of Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo and our multidisciplinary team, patients receive a highly individualized treatment plan that prioritizes safety, precision, and recovery. With early intervention and comprehensive follow-up care, many individuals not only gain symptom relief but also experience renewed independence and peace of mind as they move forward in life.
With our multiple locations in NY and NJ, the Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care is your partner in fighting tumors of the spine. Dr. Okubadejo is dedicated to evaluating each patient’s unique situation and tailoring the most effective treatment approach, whether it involves non-surgical interventions, advanced therapies, or surgical options.
We understand the importance of accurate diagnosis, which is why we employ state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies to precisely identify the type and extent of your spine tumor. By combining these advanced tools with our extensive expertise, we can develop a personalized care plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.
Take the first step towards effective treatment by scheduling a consultation with us today. You can trust our clinical expertise and patient-centered care as we work to relieve your symptoms and help you return to a fuller, more comfortable life.
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The exact causes of spine cancer are not fully understood. However, certain risk factors, such as a history of cancer, exposure to radiation, or genetic predisposition, may increase the likelihood of developing spine tumors.
Symptoms of spine cancer can vary depending on the type, location, and stage of the tumor. Common symptoms include persistent back pain, radiating pain, neurological deficits (such as weakness or numbness), and changes in bowel or bladder function.
It is important to note that these symptoms may also be associated with other conditions, so a proper medical evaluation is necessary.
Since the exact causes of spine cancer are unknown, there are no specific measures to prevent its occurrence. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding known risk factors, and undergoing regular medical check-ups can help detect any potential issues early on.
The diagnosis of spinal cancer involves a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, medical history review, imaging tests (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans), and biopsy to obtain a sample of the abnormal tissue for analysis. These diagnostic tools help determine the presence, type, and extent of spinal cancer and guide appropriate treatment planning.
The prognosis for spine cancer depends on various factors, including the type, stage, location, and individual characteristics. Early detection, appropriate treatment, and ongoing monitoring can improve the chances of successful outcomes.
The treatment for spinal cancer depends on several factors, including the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the individual.
Treatment options may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care. The goal is to remove or control the cancer, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life. The treatment plan is personalized based on the specific needs of each patient and is best determined by a team of healthcare professionals specializing in oncology.