Spinal tumors are benign or malignant tumors that occur in the spinal canal, vertebrae, meninges or spinal nerves.  The most common forms of spinal tumors include, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma.

 

Spinal tumors appear as either Primary or Metastatic tumors.  Primary tumors are tumors that originate in the spine.  Metastatic tumors are tumors that originated in another part of the body and spread (metastasized) into the spine.

 

As the tumor grows in size it can begin to affect blood vessels, bones, joints and nerve roots of the spine.  Symptoms can depend on the size and location of the tumor.  Primary tumors are known to cause symptoms that progress slowly, while metastatic tumors tend to be more aggressive.

 

Symptoms of Spinal Tumors can include:

• Pain in the neck or back
• Loss of sensation in the extremities
• Neurological impairment
• Pain that is made worse by laying down
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle contractions
• Bowel or bladder incontinence