Spinal Tumors

A spinal tumor is a growth of cells (mass) in or surrounding the spinal cord.

Tumors that start in spinal tissue are called primary spinal tumors. Tumors that spread to the spine from some other place (metatastasis) are called secondary spinal tumors.

The cause of primary spinal tumors is unknown. Some primary spinal tumors occur with genetic defects. A spinal tumor is much less common than a primary brain tumor.

Spinal tumors can occur:

• Inside the cord (intramedullary)
• In the membranes (meninges) covering the spinal cord (extramedullary - intradural)
• Between the meninges and bones of the spine (extradural)

Or, tumors may extend from other locations. Most spinal tumors are extradural.

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