Tumours of the spine
Tumours of the spine are classified according to the area of involvement of the spinal column
About
Tumours of the spine are classified according to the area of involvement of the spinal column. In general terms there are tumours which affect the spinal cord (within the cord tissue or on its surface) and those which affect the bone which are the commonest and have often spread from other sites in the body (metastasis). Tumours are either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Need to know
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Symptoms icon plus
In general, tumours of the spine cause problems when they compress nerves or the spinal cord itself. This may result in paralysis and loss of bowel or bladder control. The tumour may destroy the bone and cause spinal fractures leading to back pain. Patients can also feel generally unwell from the systemic effects of cancer. Examples of cancer which can spread to the spine include skin cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and Renal (Kidney) cancer. -
Treatment options icon plus
This requires careful discussion with your consultant. Surgery is sometimes necessary to either remove the tumour or stabilise the spine. Surgery is often performed in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy or both if the tumour is cancerous. Certain types of tumours do not require surgery and can be treated with chemo or radiotherapy alone.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.