A spinal tumor is a cancerous or noncancerous growth that develops within your spinal canal (spinal cord tumors) or within the bones of your spine (vertebral tumors).
There are two main types of spinal cord tumors intramedullary tumors and extramedullary tumors. Intramedullary tumors begin in the cells within the spinal cord itself, such as astrocytomas or ependymomas. Extramedullary tumors develop within the supporting network of cells around the spinal cord, such as schwannomas, meningiomas and neurofibromas.
In addition, tumors from other parts of the body can spread (metastasize) to the vertebrae, the supporting network around the spinal cord or, in rare cases, the spinal cord itself. Spinal tumors can lead to neurological issues, pain, and sometimes paralysis.
Please watch the video below to learn more about the treatment of spinal tumors from Dr. John Hain. This article from the Mayo clinic has additional information as well.
