Spinal tumors and spine cancer

A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that can occur in the spinal column. Spinal tumors are either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are non-cancerous, while malignant tumors are cancerous. When talking about spinal tumors, the term spine cancer refers to any cancerous tumor that originates in the spine or spreads to the spine from another part of the body. 

Your spine is not a singular object. It’s made up of various types of tissues, from your neck to your pelvis. Tumors can form in any of these tissues, including: 

• Bones and bone marrow 
• Cartilage between the vertebrae 
• Spinal discs between the vertebrae 
• Blood vessels that nourish the spine 
• Nerves that extend from the spinal cord 
• Membranes that surround the spinal cord 

If a tumor first develops on your spine, it’s called a primary spinal tumor. If a tumor develops on your spine because of cancer spreading from another part of the body, it’s called a secondary spinal tumor. The most common cancers that spread to the spine include lung, prostate, and breast cancers. As with other forms of cancer, a tumor of the spine is a serious condition that should be examined immediately and diagnosed early to get the best outcome. 

Spinal tumors and spine cancer are treated by doctors called neuro-oncologists. Neuro-oncologists at Penn Medicine are among the leading providers of spine care and spine health in the southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey regions who are dedicated to diagnosing and treating spinal tumors and spinal cancer. In addition, treating spinal tumors and spinal cancer often involves coordination among different specialists to ensure the best outcome. Our team members have extensive experience in neurosurgery, orthopedics, pain medicine, and other specialties to provide you with complete care. These experts connect directly with the providers at our community hospitals and outpatient locations so that you have access to the latest spine tumor and cancer treatment options close to home.

Everyone experiences spinal tumor and spine cancer symptoms differently. Factors such as the location of the tumor, its size, and the types of spinal tumors can determine the symptoms. Some people don’t experience any symptoms, while others describe back and neck pain—the most common signs of a spinal tumor—that is worse at night or increases over time. 

Other symptoms may include: 

• Bowel or urinary incontinence 
• Curved spine 
• Difficulty walking 
• Muscle twitches 
• Pain in your arms, feet, hips, or legs 
• Paralysis in various parts of your body 
• Soreness in your back or neck 
• Weakness or numbness in your arms, chest, or legs 

Scientists believe several factors contribute to spinal tumors and spine cancer development. 

• Spread from other cancers: Cancer from other parts of the body can sometimes travel to the spine, causing spine cancer. This is called metastasis or a secondary spinal tumor. 
• Environment: Being around certain harmful chemicals or radiation might make you more likely to develop spinal tumors or spine cancer, but scientists don't always know exactly which ones. 
• Genetics: Sometimes, changes in your genes or a medical condition passed down from family members can raise your risk. For example, people with the hereditary disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 and individuals with von Hippel-Lindau disease may develop benign tumors in their spinal cord. 
• Unknown reasons: In many cases, experts don't know exactly why spine tumors develop. However, new developments are always in motion. Penn Medicine is at the forefront of research and clinical trials to find more answers. 

Remember, while these factors can increase the risk, not everyone with spinal tumors or spine cancer has these issues. It’s essential to talk with your provider if you're concerned about your risk or if you have signs of a spinal tumor. 

Getting an accurate spinal tumor diagnosis is important to ensure the best treatment strategy for your situation. When diagnosing spinal tumors at Penn Medicine, our neuro-oncologists provide an evaluation and use advanced diagnostic tools to give you the best possible outcome. 

Spinal tumor treatments vary depending on your specific needs. Penn Medicine offers a variety of spinal tumor treatment options.

The mission of Penn Medicine’s Spinal Tumor Program is to guide our spinal tumor and spine cancer patients through every phase of their medical journey. We understand that a spinal tumor or spine cancer diagnosis can be concerning. We’re dedicated to making sure you get the highest level of care every step of the way. We’re committed to fostering a relationship with you built on trust and customized care.