![Mayo Clinic home page [logo]](/images-global/mayologo.gif)
Give. Touch. Transform.
Share this site with others using one of these sharing tools.
To link to this article, paste this block of HTML code onto your webpage.
Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgMayo Clinic is one of a few medical facilities in the United States that treats more than 1,000 spinal cord tumors each year. Experienced specialists from Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuroradiology, Neuropathology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology work together to treat these uncommon tumors. What might take months to accomplish in other settings may be done in days in Mayo Clinic's efficient system.
Mayo Clinic is one of the world's leading brain tumor treatment and research centers.
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, giving patients access to new developments and treatments for spinal cord tumors. Mayo participates in several cooperative clinical trials networks and is the research base for the North Central Cancer Treatment Group.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked No. 1 in Neurology & Neurosurgery in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.
The most critical step in diagnosing a spinal cord tumor is the review of an accurate history and a thorough physical examination to help pinpoint the affected area. The tumor's anatomical classification may also be of interest. Next, imaging is performed to detect and visualize the suspected tumor. Mayo Clinic uses high-field-strength MRI scanners to find smaller tumors that can be missed on lower-power scanners. Once a tumor is found, a biopsy (tissue sample) must be taken to determine the tumor type and the most appropriate treatment. Read more about spinal cord tumor diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons perform more than 3,000 neurosurgical procedures each year, among the highest volumes in the world. Neurosurgeons use special monitoring and intraoperative imaging techniques to more safely and accurately remove spinal cord tumors. Learn more about spinal cord tumors treatment options.
Spinal cord tumor
Spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found in or near the spinal cord. Because the spinal cord is housed within a rigid, bony structure (the spinal column), any abnormal growth can exert pressure on sensitive tissues and impair function. Also, any tumor located near sensitive spinal cord nerves may cause pain and weakness. Spinal cord tumors affect people of all ages, but are most commonly found in young to middle-aged adults.
Read more about Spinal Tumors at www.MayoClinic.com.
It wasn't multiple sclerosis that was weakening Twilla Standlee's legs, and she is walking today because of Mayo's finding.
Read Twilla's story.
See all patient stories related to Spinal Cord Tumors.
Read all patient stories.
.
