Is surgery for spinal cord tumors safe? I’m worried about paralysis.

It’s natural to worry, but modern spinal tumor surgery is performed with very high precision to protect the nerves. Neurosurgeons use the operating microscope and delicate instruments to carefully dissect the tumor away from the spinal cord. We also employ intra-operative neuro-monitoring – this means we continuously check the function of spinal cord and nerves during the surgery (using electrical signals) to ensure we’re not harming them. Over the past few decades, there have been huge advances: in the 1980s and 90s, outcomes were more uncertain, but today’s technology (like high-powered drills for bone, microsurgical techniques, and constant nerve monitoring) makes these surgeries much safer. Removing the tumor often improves neurological function if the tumor was compressing the cord. The risk of serious complication like paralysis is quite low in experienced hands, and your surgical team will discuss specific risks based on your case. Overall, the goal is to remove the tumor completely (or as much as safely possible) while preserving and  improving your nerve function.