Spinal Cord Tumor: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

A tumor inside the cord differs from one in its coverings or vertebrae that compresses it. Location, type and growth determine care; surgery or chemotherapy is not appropriate for every tumor.

Related reading: How spinal cord damage affects movement and sensation.

Persistent or nighttime back pain, limb weakness, numbness, walking difficulty or altered bladder and bowel function may occur. These symptoms are not specific, but progression or combinations require assessment.

Tumors may arise in neural or surrounding tissues, or cancer may spread to the spine from elsewhere. Most primary tumors have no identifiable individual cause, while some accompany inherited syndromes.

Some inherited syndromes and cancers that spread to the spine increase risk. Tumors can occur without recognized risk factors, but common back pain alone does not indicate a tumor.

Evaluation includes neurological examination and MRI, with additional investigations according to the suspected type and location. Tissue sampling may be appropriate when safe; plain X-rays alone cannot exclude a tumor.

Selected tumors can be monitored; others need surgery, radiotherapy or type-specific medicines. A multidisciplinary team weighs neurological preservation against intervention risks, alongside pain care and rehabilitation.

Compression can cause lasting weakness or sensory, bladder and bowel problems. Treatment complications or recurrence are possible, requiring individualized functional and imaging follow-up.

There is no proven way to prevent most spinal tumors. Follow surveillance for known cancer or inherited syndromes and report new neurological symptoms rather than assuming a muscle strain.