Tumor Resection (Brain or Spine Tumor Resection) - OneTreeHealth

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Tumor Resection

What is a Tumor Resection?

Tumor resection refers to surgically removing a tumor, either from the brain or spinal area, with the goal of taking out as much of the abnormal growth as safely possible. In neurosurgery, this often means a brain tumor resection (craniotomy to open the skull and excise a tumor in the brain) or a spinal tumor resection (removing a tumor from or around the spinal cord/vertebrae).

By removing the tumor, we aim to relieve pressure on the brain or nerves, obtain tissue for diagnosis (biopsy), and ideally cure or control the disease. Sometimes complete removal (gross total resection) is achievable; other times only partial removal is safe (especially if the tumor is near critical areas). Tumors can be primary (originating in brain/spine like meningiomas, gliomas, schwannomas) or metastatic (spread from cancer elsewhere). Resection is often combined with other treatments (like radiation or chemo) as needed.

Who is it for?

Spinal fusion is typically recommended for:

Those with a brain tumor that is causing symptoms (headaches, seizures, neurological deficits) or has a risk of causing harm if left (due to size or growth). Many brain tumors (like meningiomas, which are often benign) can be cured or greatly helped by surgical removalmisurgical.org. Malignant tumors often need surgery to debulk (reduce size) and get a diagnosis.

Those with a spinal cord or spine tumor – e.g., a meningioma or schwannoma compressing the spinal cord/nerves causing pain, weakness, or numbness. Removing it can relieve compression.

If imaging finds a tumor and its accessible location makes surgery feasible and relatively safe—especially if it’s suspected to be a type that surgery can cure or significantly extend life.

Sometimes even without major symptoms, a tumor may be removed to prevent future issues (especially if it’s growing).

Of course, the patient’s overall health must allow surgery. If someone is a poor surgical candidate or the tumor is very deep and risky, other approaches might be considered first.

In cases of metastatic brain tumors, surgery is often done if there’s a single or few metastases causing symptoms, usually followed by radiation (like gamma knife).

Essentially, if surgery can significantly improve outcome—either by relieving symptoms, prolonging survival, or confirming diagnosis to guide treatment—it’s considered.

What to Expect – Before, During, After

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You’ll undergo imaging (MRI with contrast is standard for brain tumors, and spine MRI for spinal tumors). You’ll meet the neurosurgeon who will explain the plan: the approach to the tumor, goals (complete removal vs. partial), and possible risks (such as affecting nearby brain areas).

Sometimes functional MRI or mapping tests are done pre-op to identify where critical functions (like speech or motor control) are relative to the tumor. If it’s a brain tumor near those areas, awake surgery may be considered for real-time mapping—the surgeon will discuss if that’s needed.

You might be placed on steroids (dexamethasone) before surgery to reduce swelling, and anti-seizure medications if you’ve had seizures. You’ll need to stop blood thinners and similar medications prior to surgery.

There may also be consults with oncology or radiation specialists if combined therapy is part of the plan.

The night before surgery, you’ll typically be instructed to avoid solid food after midnight.

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Under general anesthesia (unless an “awake craniotomy” scenario, in which case you’re awakened for part of it for mapping but sedated otherwise). The head is secured in a clamp (so it doesn’t move). The scalp is shaved in the area of incision (some surgeons shave a small area, some more).

A precise incision is made in the scalp (curved or straight depending on location), and the skin/soft tissues are opened. Then a small window of skull bone is removed (craniotomy) to expose the brain/tumor area
misurgical.org.

Surgeons use image guidance (like GPS from MRI) to locate the tumor accurately. They then open the dura (brain’s protective covering). Using magnification (microscope), they carefully dissect and remove the tumor, taking care to avoid injuring surrounding brain—often peeling the tumor off structures.

Tools like suction, microsurgical instruments, and maybe an ultrasonic aspirator (which breaks tumor and sucks it out) are used. If the tumor is very vascular, they cauterize vessels.

They may send a piece to the lab during surgery (frozen section) to get a preliminary diagnosis. Once maximum safe resection is done (they might use ultrasound or navigation to check if tumor remains), they achieve bleeding control.

Then the dura is closed (sometimes with a patch), the bone flap is put back (secured with plates/screws), and the scalp is sutured or stapled.

Surgery length can vary widely—from 2–3 hours for a small superficial tumor to 6–8+ hours for large or complex ones.

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Often approached like a laminectomy – remove bone over tumor, then remove tumor (like a schwannoma or meningioma). It might involve delicate work around the spinal cord; neuromonitoring is often used to track nerve function during the procedure.

After removal, instrumentation (screws/rods) might be placed if needed for stability—especially if bone was removed for a vertebral tumor.

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You’ll be moved to recovery and closely monitored. Many brain tumor patients go to ICU the first 24 hours for observation. Expect some post-op pain (headache for craniotomy, incisional pain). Medication will manage it.

Nurses will do frequent neuro checks (ask your name, check your strength, pupils, etc.). You might have a drain under the scalp temporarily. Steroids are often continued to minimize swelling.

On the first day, they’ll try to get you sitting up and walking a bit if possible (unless it was a very intensive surgery requiring more rest). For brain surgeries, typical hospital stay is 3–5 days, assuming no complications. They may do a post-op MRI within 24–48 hours to see how much tumor was removed.

For spine tumors, expect a similar pattern: ICU overnight, then transfer to the regular ward, focusing on neurologic exam of limbs, etc., with a stay of about 3–5 days.

Rehab

If you have any deficits (like weakness or speech difficulty after), we involve physical, occupational, or speech therapy as needed. Some patients go to inpatient rehab for a bit if needed; many go home able to function.

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You’ll be very tired for a few weeks – brain surgery especially can cause fatigue.

Incision care:

Keep it dry for a period
Staples are removed in about 10–14 days, unless dissolvable sutures were used

If skull bone was removed and replaced, avoid heavy exertion or anything that increases pressure for a few weeks (no heavy lifting, straining).

Anti-seizure medications might continue for a while prophylactically if it was a brain tumor.

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You’ll be very tired for a few weeks – brain surgery especially can cause fatigue.

Incision care:

Keep it dry for a period
Staples are removed in about 10–14 days, unless dissolvable sutures were used

If skull bone was removed and replaced, avoid heavy exertion or anything that increases pressure for a few weeks (no heavy lifting, straining).

Anti-seizure medications might continue for a while prophylactically if it was a brain tumor.

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Gradual increase in activity. Many brain surgery patients surprisingly can resume light activities in a couple weeks.

Some cognitive or emotional effects can happen (temporary) due to brain manipulation – you may feel a bit fuzzy or have mood changes, which usually improve.

Expect regular follow-up with the surgeon around 2 weeks post-op, then later with an MRI at 3 months, maybe more depending on the case.

Benefits

Symptom Relief: Removing a brain tumor often relieves pressure, leading to reduction in headaches, improvement in cognitive or neurologic symptoms (depending on location). For example, a meningioma causing weakness can allow return of strength after resection. Seizures often become easier to control or stop if a tumor causing them is removed.

Life-Saving / Prolonging: For malignant tumors, resection can reduce tumor burden and extend survival, and is typically needed to determine tumor type to guide further therapies. For benign tumors, it can be curative (completely removing a meningioma or schwannoma can essentially cure the patient

Spinal Cord/Nerve Preservation: Removing spinal tumors can prevent paralysis or permanent nerve damage that would have occurred if the tumor kept growing. It often restores function or at least stops the decline.

Improved Quality of Life: Patients often have significant improvement in neurological function or at least in symptoms like pain and can get back to activities. Even partial removal can reduce symptoms like reducing intracranial pressure or mass effect that cause drowsiness or others.

Diagnostic Clarity: Having tissue allows pathologists to tell exactly what the tumor is (grade, type), which is crucial for planning any additional treatment or knowing prognosis.

Possibility of Cure: Many tumors, especially benign, are cured with surgery alone (e.g., acoustic neuromas, many meningiomas, etc.), meaning no further therapy—just periodic scans.

Tech Advances: Modern techniques (microscopy, mapping, lasers, endoscopes) allow more complete and safer tumor removals than in the past, maximizing benefit.

Risks

Neurological Deficit: Brain tumor surgery carries risk of affecting brain function. Depending on tumor location, there’s risk of weakness, sensory loss, speech/language difficulties, vision problems, etc. Surgeons mitigate by mapping, but if tumor is adherent to critical area, sometimes a tradeoff between removing tumor and preserving function must be balanced. There’s often a small risk of stroke or brain swelling too. In spine, risk includes worsened weakness or numbness if spinal cord or nerves get injured.

Incomplete Removal: Some tumors can’t be fully removed without severe damage, so part is left. This might mean tumor can regrow or still require other treatment. But leaving some might be necessary to preserve function.

Recurrence: Even if fully removed, certain tumors (especially malignant or some benign ones) can come back over time. Regular monitoring needed.

Infection: Brain surgeries risk meningitis or wound infection, though sterile technique and prophylactic antibiotics lower this risk. Spine surgeries risk spinal fluid leaks which can lead to meningitis if not sealed. Wound infection may need antibiotics or re-operation to clean.

CSF Leak: If the dura is opened, sometimes post-op CSF leak can happen (through incision or nose if skull base). May need a drain or re-suture of dura.

Seizures: Brain surgery can itself cause irritation leading to seizures (that’s why anti-seizure meds are often given). Usually temporary

Stroke or Bleeding: Maneuvering around blood vessels in brain can cause vessel injury or spasm, leading to stroke. Also, post-op hemorrhage at tumor site can cause sudden neuro decline – might need urgent re-operation. Risk is low but not zero.

Swelling: Brain swelling can cause temporary worsened symptoms after surgery; steroids help manage this.

Anesthesia risks: Including blood clots in legs, etc., as with any surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will I be the same “person” after brain tumor surgery? (Concern about personality or cognitive changes)

In most cases, patients remain themselves. If the tumor was affecting your personality or thinking due to pressure, removing it can actually restore more of your normal self. However, surgery itself can cause some short-term changes — a common one is postoperative cognitive dysfunction, which may present as mild memory or processing issues for a few weeks. This is often due to anesthesia and the stress of surgery, and is typically temporary or negligible.

If the tumor is located in a region responsible for certain behaviors (such as the frontal lobe), there is some risk of personality changes or cognitive effects. Surgeons carefully plan their approach to minimize impact on these areas — for example, selecting certain angles or surgical techniques when operating near the frontal lobe. They weigh risks versus benefits carefully.

It’s rare for a patient to experience a dramatic personality change unless the tumor or surgery significantly involves emotional or behavioral circuits. Often, family members may notice subtle differences for a period — such as increased emotional sensitivity or minor memory lapses — but these usually improve as the brain heals.

We always tailor the risk discussion based on the tumor’s location. But generally, if the tumor can be removed without damaging critical brain areas, you should remain fundamentally you. In fact, many patients feel mentally clearer after surgery once the pressure from the tumor is relieved.

If you’re concerned about emotional or cognitive changes, it’s important to share that with your surgeon. In some cases, awake surgery or intraoperative monitoring can be used to help preserve speech, emotion, and personality-related functions.

How long will it take to recover and return to normal activities?

Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the surgery involved the brain or spine.

For a straightforward brain tumor resection (such as a small meningioma on the surface), many patients feel relatively functional within a couple of weeks—though fatigue is common. Most can resume light activities or return to desk work within 4 to 6 weeks. If the surgery was more extensive or caused temporary neurological deficits, it may take 2 to 3 months to feel back to normal.

We typically recommend avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 to 8 weeks, to allow healing of the bone flap and surrounding tissues. Driving is generally safe after a few weeks—if your cognitive function is intact and you haven’t had a seizure. However, if you experienced a seizure, many states require a seizure-free period (commonly 6 months) before driving again. Always confirm these guidelines with your doctor.

For spine tumor resection, recovery depends on whether spinal fusion was performed:

If no fusion, you may return to many activities within 4 to 6 weeks.
If fusion with hardware was done, expect a longer recovery, similar to standard spinal fusion timelines—with activity restrictions for about 3 months.

It’s important not to rush your recovery. Brain healing takes time. Even light cognitive tasks may feel more tiring than usual, so gradually ease into work or daily routines. Many patients feel significantly better by 3 months, and most residual effects tend to improve by 6 months. However, recovery is highly individual.

Your care team will monitor your progress, guide return-to-activity decisions based on imaging and symptoms, and recommend rehabilitation therapies if needed. If additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are planned after surgery, that may also extend the overall recovery timeline.

The key is a gradual return—whether to work, exercise, or hobbies. Start slow and build up based on how you feel and what your physician advises.

Will I need radiation or chemotherapy after surgery?

It depends entirely on the type of tumor and whether it was completely removed during surgery.

Benign tumors (e.g., meningiomas or schwannomas):
If the tumor is completely excised, often no further treatment is needed. You’ll simply have periodic MRIs to monitor for any signs of regrowth.
If only partial removal was possible, your care team may recommend radiation therapy (such as stereotactic radiosurgery) to treat the remaining tumor and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Malignant tumors (e.g., glioblastoma or metastases):
These typically require additional treatment after surgery. This may include:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted or immunotherapy, depending on the specific tumor type.
For example, with glioblastoma, the standard treatment includes radiation plus chemotherapy after resection. For metastatic brain tumors, surgery is often followed by targeted radiotherapy or whole-brain radiation.
Spinal tumors:
If the tumor is benign and fully removed, no further treatment is usually needed.
If it’s aggressive, incompletely removed, or shows signs of regrowth, radiation may be part of the follow-up plan.

After surgery, your care team—often in collaboration with neuro-oncologists and radiation specialists—will review your pathology results and recommend the next steps. If additional treatments are needed, they usually begin a few weeks after surgery, once your body has had time to heal.

Ultimately, surgery may be just one part of a larger treatment plan. At your post-operative follow-ups, we’ll ensure you fully understand the path forward and feel supported every step of the way.

What are the chances my tumor will come back?

This heavily depends on tumor type and how completely it was removed.
For benign tumors:

Meningioma: if completely resected (including its attachment), recurrence risk is low (maybe around 5-10% at 10 years). If partially resected, higher (could be ~40% or more if nothing else done).
Pituitary adenoma: if totally removed, many are cured; if any remnants, they can regrow slowly requiring future treatment.
Vestibular schwannoma: if fully removed and nerve cut, it generally doesn’t return. If subtotally removed (to preserve nerve function), the remnant could grow more over years (maybe 20-30% chance).

For malignant tumors:

Glioblastoma: unfortunately tends to recur in virtually all cases; surgery prolongs life but not typically a cure, hence additional treatments and sometimes repeated surgeries.
Metastases: Could recur if new ones seed; also depends on control of primary cancer.

We’ll give you statistics for your specific tumor. We mitigate recurrence by as full a removal as safe, and adjuvant therapies if indicated. Also, you’ll be kept on a surveillance schedule (periodic MRI scans: maybe every 3 months first year, then every 6 or 12 months depending on tumor).

This way, if something does start to come back, we catch it early and treat, often with less invasive means (like radiosurgery if small). Many patients with benign tumors live the rest of their lives tumor-free after surgery. Others might need a second surgery many years later if it slowly grew back.

Malignant patients, we aim to manage as a chronic condition with multiple modalities. Your surgeon and oncology team will clearly outline your tumor’s behavior and follow-up plan.

Will surgery cure me? (with regards to tumors specifically)

If it’s a benign tumor and we can remove it entirely, yes, you might be cured – meaning tumor gone and not expected to regrow (or extremely unlikely). That’s often the case with many meningiomas, schwannomas, ependymomas in spine, etc.

Cure in malignant ones is rarer – for some metastases, if solitary and completely removed plus other therapy, you could be effectively cured of that lesion, but the underlying cancer still needs management.

For primary malignant brain tumors (gliomas of high grade), cure is usually not a word we use – but long-term control and extension of high-quality life is the goal.

There are exceptions; some lower-grade malignant or borderline tumors (like some grade II astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas) can have very long survival or even be cured with aggressive treatment.

Each case differs. The pathology report’s grade and type is key to prognosticate. The surgical removal is the best first step to a cure when possible.

We are optimistic but also realistic with you: we’ll celebrate a complete resection as it gives best chance, but also plan adjuvant treatments if history tells us that tumor could still be hiding microscopically or could come back.

In sum, many patients, especially with benign tumors, can indeed be cured by surgery. Others will need an ongoing team approach.

Our commitment is to stand by you through whichever journey it is, aiming for the best possible outcome.

Contact Us Today!

Facing a brain or spinal tumor can be frightening, but you don’t have to face it alone.

One Tree Health offers comprehensive, compassionate neurosurgical care to remove tumors and set you on the path to recovery.

Our highly skilled surgeons use state-of-the-art techniques – from image-guided brain surgery to delicate spinal tumor removals – all with the goal of maximizing tumor removal while protecting your vital functions.

We collaborate closely with expert oncology teams to ensure you receive seamless follow-up treatment if needed, whether it’s radiation, chemotherapy, or just periodic check-ups.

From the moment of diagnosis through surgery and beyond, we’ll treat you like family, keeping you informed, comfortable, and hopeful.

Every tumor and every patient is unique. Schedule a consultation with our neurosurgery specialists and let us design the best plan for you. We’ll answer your questions, discuss your options in plain language, and work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome – whether that’s complete cure or improved quality of life and extended time with loved ones.

You are not defined by your diagnosis – and with the right care, many tumors are treatable. Reach out to One Tree Health today to take the next step toward healing. We’re ready to fight for you and with you.

Your health, your hope, our mission – let’s tackle this together and get you back to focusing on what matters most in your life. Contact us now for an appointment with our tumor care team.

OneTreeHealth provides coordinated, compassionate care for patients recovering from injury specializing in orthopaedics, neurology, surgery, interventional pain management, and more. We simplify the recovery journey by managing care under one roof, so patients can focus on healing.

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