‘Dr. Elias Saved My Life’: 11-Hour Surgery Removes Dangerous, Rare Spinal Tumor

Credit: UT Southwestern

A radiologist's report on Charles Lavender's MRI indicated he had a herniated disk at the C6-C7 level of his spine. But Dr. Elias Elias, a UTSW neurosurgeon, diagnosed it as a tumor called a cervical intradural traumatic neuroma, which was pressing on the patient's spinal cord.

« ‘Dr. Elias Saved My Life’: 11-Hour Surgery Removes Dangerous, Rare Spinal Tumor

Credit: Charles Lavender

Charles Lavender (right), a Navy veteran, said he trusted Dr. Elias Elias from the outset. “Dr. Elias was so confident. Never once did I have any doubt in what he told me he would do," Mr. Lavender said.

« ‘Dr. Elias Saved My Life’: 11-Hour Surgery Removes Dangerous, Rare Spinal Tumor

Credit: Charles Lavender

Charles Lavender and his mother, Ruth Maddux, attended the Midlothian Heritage High School graduation of Mr. Lavender's son Chas in 2021.

« ‘Dr. Elias Saved My Life’: 11-Hour Surgery Removes Dangerous, Rare Spinal Tumor

Credit: Charles Lavender

Wearing a neck brace for 90 days after surgery didn't dampen Charles Lavender's spirits.

« ‘Dr. Elias Saved My Life’: 11-Hour Surgery Removes Dangerous, Rare Spinal Tumor

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