A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the spinal cord or spine. It can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Spinal tumors are classified into three types:

• Intramedullary tumors: Develop within the spinal cord (e.g., ependymomas, astrocytomas).
• Intradural-extramedullary tumors: Form inside the spinal canal but outside the spinal cord (e.g., meningiomas, schwannomas).
• Extradural tumors: Grow outside the spinal cord and dura mater, often spreading from other body parts (metastatic tumors).

Symptoms

1. Back pain that worsens at night or with movement.
2. Radiating pain in the arms, legs, or chest.
3. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
4. Difficulty walking or loss of coordination.
5. Loss of bowel or bladder control in severe cases.
6. Paralysis in some cases if the spinal cord is compressed.

Treatment