Spinal tumours can develop in the spine (primary tumour) or spread to the spine from another body part (secondary tumour).
A spinal tumour that cannot spread to other body regions is called benign, where as a spinal tumour that can spread to other body regions is called malignant.
Spinal tumours can cause no symptoms early in the disease process, however more advanced tumours may cause back/neck pain and/or nerve compression symptoms like limb pain, weakness, numbness, or pins and needles.
Treatment for spinal tumours often requires a coordinated approach from different specialists. Treatment options include: observation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, rehabilitation and palliation.
Surgery for spinal tumours can include removal of the tumour if possible, decompression of nerves if needed, and stabilisation of the bony spinal column if needed.
Diagnosis and treatment for spinal tumours is complex and individualised to a patients specific tumour process.
