Overview
A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of cells inside or around the spine. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may develop in the spinal cord, the covering of the spinal cord (meninges), or the bones of the spine (vertebrae).
Not all spinal tumors are cancer. In fact, many are benign and grow slowly. However, even benign tumors can cause problems if they press on the spinal cord or nerves.
Early diagnosis and treatment usually lead to good outcomes. Modern treatments—including advanced surgery, radiation, and targeted therapies—are highly effective in managing spinal tumors.
Causes
The exact cause of spinal tumors is not always known, but some common factors include:
- Spread from another cancer (metastasis): The most common cause of spinal tumors. Cancers of the breast, lung, prostate, and kidney often spread to the spine.
- Primary spinal tumors: Tumors that start in the spine itself, such as meningiomas, schwannomas, astrocytomas, or chordomas.
- Genetic conditions: Rare syndromes like neurofibromatosis can increase the risk.
- Weakened immune system: May contribute in some cases.
Spinal metastases are far more common than primary spinal tumors, accounting for up to 70% of all cancer patients developing spinal involvement.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location, but common ones include:
- Back pain: Persistent, often worse at night or when lying down.
- Neurological symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs.
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
- Bladder or bowel changes: In severe cases, tumors can affect bladder or bowel control.
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or general unwellness (more likely in malignant tumors).
Importantly, not all back pain is caused by tumors. In fact, spinal tumors are rare, making up only 0.5–2.5% of all spinal diseases.
Treatment Options
Conservative (Non-surgical) Treatments
- Observation: Small, benign tumors without symptoms may just be monitored with MRI scans.
- Medications: Steroids can help reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
- Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation can shrink tumors or control their growth, especially when surgery is not possible.
- Chemotherapy / Targeted therapy: Used for certain cancers that affect the spine.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is considered when:
- The tumor is causing nerve or spinal cord compression.
- There is severe pain not controlled with medicines.
- The tumor is unstable or weakening the spine, risking fracture.
- A biopsy is needed for diagnosis.
Modern surgical techniques such as microsurgery, navigation systems, and minimally invasive approaches allow safe tumor removal with reduced risks. In some cases, spinal stabilization with screws and rods may also be required.
With advances in surgery and radiotherapy, 5-year survival rates for patients with spinal tumors have improved significantly, often exceeding 70% in benign and many metastatic cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many spinal tumors are benign. However, even non-cancerous tumors may require treatment if they press on the spinal cord or nerves.
Not necessarily. Small or slow-growing tumors can sometimes be observed. Surgery is needed only if the tumor is causing significant symptoms or compression.
Most patients experience significant relief of symptoms after proper treatment. Recovery depends on the type of tumor, its location, and how early treatment begins.
Modern surgical techniques have made tumor surgery much safer. While all surgeries carry risks, experienced spine surgeons achieve excellent results with minimal complications.
Some tumors may recur, which is why regular follow-up with MRI scans is important. With ongoing monitoring, recurrences can often be detected and treated early.
