Facts and Tips about Spinal Tumors

Susan Spinasanta
Senior Medical Editor
SpineUniverse
Desert Hot Springs, CA
  • Non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) spinal tumors are rare.

  • The most common symptom of a spinal tumor is constant non-mechanical back or neck pain. Non-mechanical back or neck pain is not provoked by activity and is not relieved by lying down or resting.

  • Besides surgical removal, a biopsy is the only way to tell if a tumor is benign or malignant. A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample and examining it under a microscope.

  • Not all spinal tumors require immediate surgical removal. Sometimes the tumor is monitored for change. This is a common approach in small benign tumors.

  • Spinal tumors are caused by an abnormal regulation of cell division. Such a cell abnormality cells to divide and grow aggressively and out of control.
Last Updated: 01/14/2009
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