Specialized surgical treatment options for tumors in the spine, with procedures performed at TGH Brooksville and coordinated access to care throughout the region.
What Is Spinal Tumor Surgery?
A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass of cells that forms within the spinal cord, along the spinal nerves or in the bones and tissues that support the spine. These tumors may be noncancerous or malignant and can cause pain, weakness, numbness or other neurological symptoms if they compress nearby structures, potentially affecting movement, sensation and quality of life.
Spine tumor surgery focuses on removing or managing these growths while protecting neurological function. At Tampa General Hospital, patients from Brooksville, Crystal River, Spring Hill and surrounding communities can benefit from a specialized evaluation, individualized treatment planning, expert surgical care and follow-up visits close to home, with procedures performed at TGH Brooksville.
Types of Spinal Tumors We Treat
The neurosurgery services team at TGH treats both benign and cancerous spinal tumors, including:
- Primary tumors, which originate in or near the spinal column
- Metastatic tumors, which spread to the spine from cancer that developed elsewhere in the body
After evaluating the tumor using advanced imaging and diagnostic testing, we can determine the optimal treatment approach based on the tumor's characteristics, behavior and relationship to the spinal cord and nerves, as well as the patient's overall health and goals.
Spine Tumor Surgery Tailored to the Patient
Spinal tumor surgery is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the specifics of the case, surgical treatment may involve:
- Removing all or part of the tumor
- Relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
- Stabilizing the spine if additional structural support is needed
When appropriate, our neurosurgeons may use less invasive techniques to minimize any disruption to nearby tissues. In some cases, however, a traditional surgical approach may be necessary to safely access the tumor. The primary goals of spine tumor surgery are to alleviate symptoms, preserve neurological function and support long-term spinal stability.
Leading-Edge Technology and Intraoperative Monitoring
The spinal tumor procedures performed at TGH Brooksville are supported by advanced imaging and state-of-the-art technology to guide precise planning and execution. In many cases, nerve monitoring is used throughout the procedure to help protect the spinal cord and nerves. With these safeguards in place, our surgical team can work carefully around critical and highly sensitive structures while reducing risk and enhancing surgical precision.
Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Care
Spinal tumor care often involves more than surgery alone. At Tampa General Hospital, our patients benefit from close collaboration across specialties, including neurosurgery, oncology, radiation therapy, imaging and rehabilitation as needed. Our team-based approach supports continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery, with coordinated recommendations, clear communication and follow-up focused on both immediate surgical needs and long-term health.
Care Close to Home, Backed by Academic Expertise
Through Tampa General Hospital's longstanding partnership with USF Health, our patients benefit from university-based expertise, research-informed treatments and leading-edge technology. From the initial evaluation through postoperative rehabilitation, we remain focused on providing individualized, compassionate care that supports safety, function and quality of life.
If you have been diagnosed with a spinal tumor or are experiencing symptoms that may require a surgical evaluation, the neurosurgery services team at Tampa General Hospital is here to help you understand your options and guide you through your next steps.