Spine tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the spinal column. Tumors that originate in the spine are called primary tumors and are rare. They can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

The majority of tumors results from uncontrolled growth among cells that reside in the spinal column while some tumors are related to a specific disease or to radiation exposure. However, the cause behind most spine tumors is unknown and they are neither contagious nor preventable.

A secondary or metastatic tumor results from spine cancer originating in another part of the body. This is a malignant tumor and is classified by its location in the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacrum). The most common symptom of a spine tumor is back pain that is not improved by rest. Other symptoms include:

• Sciatica
• Numbness
• Partial paralysis
• Spinal deformity
• Injection therapy