Definition

Growth of cells (mass) within or surrounding the spinal cord. The spinal cord carries messages to/from the brain to all parts of the body. A tumor on or near the spinal cord, can disrupt this communication.

Spinal tumors are usually described as:

• Benign - very slow growing cells, usually having distinct borders and rarely spreading

or

• Malignant - (life-threatening, invasive, and usually either rapid or slow growing, often called Cancer.)

Spinal Tumor

Treatments Available:

• Neurosurgery
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery or Stereotactic Radiotreatment
• Cancer Treatments
• Rehabilitation

For more information:

• National Institute of Neuorological Disorders and Stroke

Healthwise Links

• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Low Back Pain
• Should I have a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan for low back pain?