Spine tumour surgery in Mohali: cost, procedure & recovery guide

This patient-friendly guide explains everything you and your family need to know about spine tumour surgery in Mohali and Punjab: what spinal tumours are, how they are diagnosed, the surgical and non-surgical treatment choices, expected costs in Mohali, and what recovery looks like after surgery. The information below is written for patients and caregivers, and includes practical comparisons, estimated costs, local considerations for Mohali and Punjab, and what to expect when you choose a specialised spinal oncology team such as the one at Livasa Hospitals (Livasa Mohali). For appointments you may call +91 80788 80788 or book online at Livasa Hospitals appointment.

introduction: why specialised spinal oncology matters

Spinal tumours are a diverse group of growths that may arise within the spinal cord, within the coverings around the cord (meninges), in the vertebral bones, or reach the spine from cancers elsewhere (metastases). Though not as common as some other cancers, spinal tumours carry a high potential for neurological damage because of the compact anatomy of the spinal canal. Even small growths can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots causing pain, weakness, numbness or loss of bowel and bladder control. Early recognition and a timely, evidence-based treatment plan are crucial to preserve function and quality of life.

Specialist spinal oncology care combines neurosurgery, orthopaedic spine surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pain management and rehabilitation. In Mohali and across Punjab, access to a multidisciplinary spinal tumour team—often led by a spinal oncology neurosurgeon—makes complex care decisions safer and more personalised. Choosing the right centre affects not only technical success but also post-operative rehabilitation, pain control and long-term surveillance for recurrence.

Globally, primary spinal cord tumours are rare; however, spinal metastases are relatively common among patients with systemic cancers. Estimates vary by cancer type and study, but symptomatic spinal cord compression affects approximately 5–10% of cancer patients during their disease course. Regional tertiary centres in Punjab report a steady increase in referrals for spinal tumour management as imaging (MRI) becomes more widely available and cancer survival improves.

what are spinal tumours? types, causes and how they differ

Spinal tumours are classified by origin and location. Broadly they include:

• Primary tumours: originate in the spine or spinal cord (examples: meningioma, schwannoma, ependymoma, astrocytoma, chordoma). These may be benign or malignant.
• Metastatic tumours: spread to the spine from other cancers—most commonly breast, lung, prostate, kidney and thyroid cancers. Metastases are the most common clinically significant spinal tumours.
• Intradural extramedullary tumours: located within the dura but outside the spinal cord itself (e.g., meningiomas, schwannomas).
• Intradural intramedullary tumours: arise from the spinal cord substance (e.g., ependymoma, astrocytoma).
• Extradural tumours: usually involve vertebrae and can compress the spinal cord from outside (commonly metastases).

Causes vary by type: primary tumours may be related to genetic syndromes in rare cases, while metastatic lesions are a consequence of systemic cancer spread. Risk factors include older age, a history of cancer, persistent unexplained back pain, neurological deficits and constitutional symptoms such as weight loss. In India and Punjab, as elsewhere, the mix seen at tertiary centres includes a higher proportion of metastatic lesions versus primary spinal tumours.

Because symptoms are often non-specific initially—back pain that doesn’t improve, radiating pain, or gradual weakness—early imaging when “red flag” signs appear (neurological deficits, bowel/bladder changes, rapidly progressive pain) is essential. The role of a spinal tumour specialist in Mohali is to interpret imaging, obtain tissue diagnosis if needed, and coordinate surgery, radiotherapy or systemic therapy as appropriate.

symptoms and diagnosis: when to seek immediate care

Recognising the warning signs of a spinal tumour and seeking prompt evaluation is key to preventing permanent neurological injury. Common symptoms include:

• New or worsening back pain that is progressive, worse at night, or not relieved by rest.
• Radicular pain—pain radiating down an arm or leg along a nerve distribution.
• Weakness or numbness in the limbs, clumsiness, difficulty walking, or stumbling.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control or severe saddle numbness—this is an emergency (possible cauda equina syndrome).
• Unexplained systemic symptoms such as weight loss or night sweats in the context of known cancer.

Diagnostic steps commonly used at spinal tumour centres in Mohali include:

1. Detailed clinical assessment by a spinal tumour specialist or neurosurgeon to document neurological deficits.
2. MRI of the entire spine with contrast—this is the gold-standard imaging test for localising tumours and understanding their relationship to the spinal cord, nerve roots and vertebrae. MRI brain may also be done when intramedullary tumours are suspected.
3. CT scan and bone scans or PET-CT when bony involvement or systemic metastasis is suspected.
4. Biopsy—image-guided needle biopsy or open biopsy to obtain tissue for histopathology and immunohistochemistry if the diagnosis is uncertain or affects systemic therapy planning.
5. Multidisciplinary tumour board review involving neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology and rehabilitation specialists to plan definitive treatment.

In Mohali, specialised centres like Livasa Hospitals provide same-day or rapid-turnaround MRI scheduling and coordinated clinic visits so that a treatment plan can often be established within days of diagnosis. If you have severe or rapidly progressive symptoms, present urgently to emergency care or call the spinal team at Livasa Mohali on +91 80788 80788.

diagnostic tests and biopsy: what to expect in Mohali

The diagnostic pathway for a spinal tumour aims to confirm the lesion, define anatomy for treatment planning, and secure a tissue diagnosis when necessary. In Mohali and across Punjab, the standard tests include MRI, CT, PET-CT and image-guided biopsy. Here is what each test commonly reveals and why it matters:

• MRI spine with contrast: pinpoints tumour location (intradural vs extradural; intramedullary vs extramedullary), evaluates cord compression, and shows involvement of the vertebrae and soft tissues. It is indispensable for surgical planning.
• CT scan: better defines bone destruction, guide instrument selection for stabilization and is often used for planning vertebral reconstruction or intraoperative navigation.
• PET-CT or bone scan: assesses systemic disease and helps identify the primary cancer in cases of metastatic disease of unknown origin.
• Image-guided biopsy (CT-guided or fluoroscopic): often performed on vertebral lesions to obtain a histological diagnosis without open surgery. For intradural or intramedullary tumours, a neurosurgeon may perform an open biopsy at the time of surgery.

Biopsy is a critical step when the radiological appearance does not decisively reveal the tumour type or when it will alter systemic therapy. At Livasa Mohali, biopsy specimens are processed with advanced immunohistochemistry and molecular testing where indicated—this can refine diagnosis (for example: differentiating a meningioma from metastatic disease or classifying an ependymoma subtype). Accurate pathology affects decisions such as the need for adjuvant radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted agents or hormonal therapy.

Practical patient considerations in Mohali:

• MRI slots are increasingly available at major hospitals—ask for urgent scheduling if neurological symptoms are present.
• Image-guided biopsy is generally a day-care procedure but may require blood tests and temporary anticoagulation adjustments.
• Pathology turnaround for immunohistochemistry/molecular tests commonly takes 7–14 days; urgent cases can be expedited.

treatment pathways: surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy

Treatment for a spinal tumour is personalised and depends on tumour type (primary vs metastatic), location, degree of neurological compromise, patient fitness, and overall cancer status. The main modalities include:

• Surgery: to decompress the spinal cord or nerves, remove the tumour when possible, and stabilise the spine with instrumentation if needed.
• Radiation therapy: conventional external beam radiotherapy or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for precise high-dose treatment of spine tumours—commonly used for metastases or residual disease after surgery.
• Systemic therapy: chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or hormonal therapy if the tumour biology indicates benefit (typical for metastatic disease).
• Supportive care: pain management, steroids for acute cord compression, bone-strengthening medications (bisphosphonates/denosumab), and rehabilitation.

Multidisciplinary decision-making is standard in modern spinal oncology: cases are reviewed in tumour boards to weigh the benefits and risks of surgery versus radiation or systemic therapy alone. Surgery is typically indicated when there is progressive neurological deficit, mechanical instability of the spine, intractable pain, or when a tissue diagnosis is required. In Mohali, spinal oncology centres offer integrated care so that patients receive a combined plan—often a short course of surgery for decompression and stabilization followed by stereotactic radiotherapy for local tumour control.

For metastatic disease, the goals are often palliative: relieve pain, preserve or restore function, and maintain quality of life. For select primary tumours, aggressive resection may be curative or achieve long-term control. Discuss expected outcomes with your spinal oncology neurosurgeon in Mohali—ask about local recurrence rates, neurologic recovery expectations, and the plan for surveillance imaging after treatment.

spine tumour surgery procedure: step-by-step (what patients should know)

When surgery is recommended in Mohali, preparation and understanding the steps helps patients and families feel more confident. Below is a typical step-by-step outline for a spinal tumour operation that involves decompression and possible tumour excision with stabilization. Note that exact steps vary by tumour type and location.

1. Preoperative optimisation: medical clearance, correction of anemia, review of medications (especially blood thinners), and discussion of risks/benefits with the surgical team. Baseline neurological exam and informed consent are completed. Imaging (MRI/CT) is reviewed alongside intraoperative navigation plans.
2. Anesthesia and monitoring: general anesthesia is used. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (somatosensory evoked potentials and motor evoked potentials) is often employed to reduce the risk of new neurological deficits during tumour removal.
3. Patient positioning: the patient is positioned to optimise surgical access (prone for posterior approaches, lateral/anterolateral for some thoracic/lumbar cases) and to protect pressure points.
4. Exposure: a targeted incision is made to expose the affected vertebral levels. Muscles are retracted carefully; minimally invasive tubular retractor systems may be used when appropriate.
5. Decompression and tumour resection: laminectomy or laminotomy is performed to access the spinal canal. The tumour is debulked and resected under magnification; for intramedullary tumours a myelotomy may be necessary. Careful dissection preserves healthy neural tissue. If a biopsy is the goal, a small targeted sample may be taken instead of complete resection.
6. Stabilization (if needed): if tumour removal or bone destruction has compromised spinal stability, the surgeon will place pedicle screws and rods or vertebral body reconstruction devices—sometimes augmented with bone graft or cages.
7. Hemostasis and closure: careful control of bleeding and layered closure of the wound. Drains may be placed depending on the bleeding risk and extent of surgery.
8. Immediate postoperative care: transfer to recovery or ICU depending on the case. Pain control, neurological monitoring, and early mobilisation with physiotherapy begin as tolerated. Steroids may be continued briefly in selected patients.

Intraoperative technologies increasingly used in Mohali include neuronavigation, intraoperative CT, and expandable implants. These advances improve precision and often reduce operative time. Your spinal oncology neurosurgeon will discuss the planned approach and expected goals—complete resection, debulking for decompression, or biopsy—before surgery. At Livasa Mohali, surgeries are performed by experienced spinal oncology teams with access to advanced imaging and rehabilitation services to support recovery.

minimally invasive versus traditional open surgery: a comparison

Surgical techniques for spinal tumours range from tubular minimally invasive approaches to more extensive open procedures. The choice depends on tumour size, location, need for stabilization and surgeon expertise. The table below summarises the major differences and typical recovery expectations.

The choice between minimally invasive and open surgery is made after careful imaging review and discussion with the spinal tumour team. In many cases, a combined approach—surgical decompression followed by stereotactic radiotherapy—offers the best balance between symptom relief and tumour control. Patients in Mohali should ask their surgeon about expected extent of resection, whether instrumentation will be needed, and how intraoperative monitoring will be used to preserve function.

cost, insurance coverage and financial planning in Mohali & Punjab

Cost is an important consideration for many patients. Spine tumour surgery costs in Mohali and Punjab vary with procedure complexity, length of hospital stay, implants used (pedicle screws, cages), ICU needs, and whether advanced services such as intraoperative neuromonitoring or navigation are used. Below is an indicative cost table commonly seen in Mohali; these are approximate ranges in Indian Rupees (INR) and should be used only as a guide.

These ranges reflect typical expenses for surgery, hospital bed charges, anesthesia, implants, basic drugs and initial physiotherapy. They do not include the cost of extended rehabilitation, long-term medications, adjuvant radiotherapy or systemic cancer treatments which are billed separately.

Insurance coverage in India: Many government and private insurance policies cover spinal tumour surgery subject to pre-authorization and hospital empanelment. Coverage often includes surgical fees, implants and inpatient stay but may exclude certain high-cost implants or advanced navigation charges unless pre-approved. At Livasa Mohali, the hospital's billing and insurance team assists families with claim submission, pre-authorization and guidance on funding options. Where public schemes or employer insurance are not sufficient, hospitals may help arrange phased payments or connect patients with medical finance programs.

Affordable care options: For patients seeking affordable spine tumour surgery in Mohali, discuss with the hospital financial counsellor. Some tertiary centres offer subsidised packages, and charitable funds or cancer societies sometimes support eligible cases. Always obtain a written cost estimate and understand which elements are included to avoid surprises.

recovery and rehabilitation: expected timelines and milestones

Recovery after spine tumour surgery varies by procedure type, baseline neurological function, patient age, and whether instrumentation was required. Rehabilitation in Mohali typically begins within 24–48 hours after surgery with physiotherapy and occupational therapy aimed at restoring mobility, reducing pain and preventing complications such as blood clots or pneumonia.

Typical recovery milestones:

• Immediate (0–7 days): pain control, wound care, basic mobilisation, and monitoring for complications. Most patients are transferred from ICU to ward within 1–3 days as appropriate.
• Early recovery (1–6 weeks): progressive walking, outpatient physiotherapy, wound check and removal of sutures. Many patients can return to light daily activities within 2–6 weeks depending on the operation.
• Intermediate recovery (6–12 weeks): progressive strengthening and more demanding activities, return to desk work may be possible with surgeon clearance.
• Long-term (3–12 months): maximal neurological recovery often occurs over several months; those with severe preoperative deficits may require longer and may not regain full function.

Recovery times by procedure (general guide):

Rehabilitation services available in Mohali include physiotherapy for gait and balance, occupational therapy for activities of daily living, and pain management clinics for persistent pain. Nutritional counselling and psychosocial support are also integral—particularly for patients with metastatic cancer. At Livasa Mohali, the spinal oncology team provides coordinated follow-up schedules with serial MRI scans to monitor for recurrence and adjustments to adjuvant therapy if needed.

risks, complications and how specialists minimise them

Like any major surgery, spine tumour operations carry risks. Patients should receive an honest discussion about the likelihood and severity of potential complications. Common risks include:

• Neurological worsening—new or increased weakness or numbness (risk reduced with intraoperative neuromonitoring).
• Infection—superficial wound infection or deep surgical site infection requiring antibiotics or further surgery.
• Bleeding—requires transfusion in some cases.
• Implant failure—rare but possible, may necessitate revision surgery.
• Persistent pain—can be managed with medications, injections or further rehabilitation.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak—may require bed rest or surgical repair if persistent.

Specialist spinal oncology neurosurgeons and centres in Mohali mitigate these risks through:

• Use of intraoperative neuromonitoring to detect early signs of cord or nerve stress and guide safer resection.
• Preoperative optimisation of medical conditions (diabetes, nutrition, anemia).
• Prophylactic antibiotics, meticulous surgical technique and sterile operating environments.
• Availability of ICU and multidisciplinary perioperative support if needed.
• Careful planning of instrumentation for optimal load sharing and fusion where indicated.

Patients should have an open conversation with their surgeon about individual risk profiles, expected functional outcomes, and contingency plans. If you are seeking a spinal tumour specialist in Mohali, ask about the surgeon’s experience with similar tumour types, complication rates, and access to a multidisciplinary team.

choosing a spinal tumour hospital and surgeon in Mohali (why Livasa Hospitals)

Selecting the right hospital and surgeon is one of the most important decisions after diagnosis. In Mohali, patients often compare centres based on surgical expertise, multidisciplinary care, advanced imaging and intraoperative technologies, rehabilitation services, and transparent cost counselling. Livasa Hospitals, Livasa Mohali positions itself as a comprehensive spinal oncology centre with key strengths that patients should consider:

• Dedicated spinal oncology neurosurgeons: surgeons experienced in both primary and metastatic spine tumours, skilled in microsurgical resection and spinal stabilization techniques.
• Multidisciplinary tumour board: integrated decision-making that includes neurosurgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology and rehabilitation specialists.
• Advanced imaging and intraoperative support: MRI and CT services, neuronavigation, and intraoperative neuromonitoring for safer resections.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation: early physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pain management to maximise functional recovery.
• Financial support and insurance assistance: hospital staff assist with estimate planning, pre-authorizations and possible financing options.

Practical tips when evaluating hospitals in Mohali:

• Ask about the number of spine tumour operations the surgeon performs annually and outcomes for similar cases.
• Request details about post-operative care pathways: ICU availability, rehabilitation plans and follow-up imaging schedule.
• Clarify cost estimates in writing and confirm what is included (implants, medicines, physiotherapy, imaging).
• Check whether the centre offers minimally invasive options, stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) and integrated oncology care when needed.

To speak with a specialist team at Livasa Mohali, call +91 80788 80788 or book an appointment online. Early consultation helps define urgent needs (e.g., for acute decompression) and allows time to arrange imaging, biopsy and insurance authorisation.

final thoughts and next steps: preparing for surgery in Mohali

Facing a diagnosis of a spinal tumour can be overwhelming. The best practical steps you can take are to gather accurate information, seek a second opinion if unsure, and consult a specialised spinal oncology neurosurgeon early—especially in Mohali and across Punjab where multidisciplinary centres are available. Key preparation steps include:

• Collect all imaging and pathology reports—bring MRI and CT images on disc or ensure hospital-to-hospital transfer.
• List current medications and medical history, especially prior cancer treatments, bleeding disorders, or implants.
• Discuss goals of care—whether curative resection, symptom relief, or stabilisation is the main objective.
• Prepare questions about expected neurological recovery, rehabilitation, risks, and cost/insurance coverage.
• Arrange family support for the hospitalization period and early rehabilitation phase.

If you are searching for a “spinal tumour hospital near me Mohali” or “best spinal oncology neurosurgeon Mohali,” consider the factors discussed above and reach out to the care coordinators at Livasa Mohali for guidance. Getting evaluated by a multidisciplinary team helps ensure that you receive a personalised treatment plan aligned with both medical evidence and your personal goals.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about spine tumour surgery in Mohali and Punjab and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by case; please consult your treating hospital for a detailed estimate and the latest clinical recommendations.