Spine Tumours
Spinal tumours are abnormal growths within or around the spinal cord or spine. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or medications.
Understanding your spine
Your spine is a complex structure with several components, including your:
- Spinal cord – a large bundle of nerves that control movement and sensation
- Meninges – membranes that cover that nerve bundle
- Vertebrae – hollow, bony building blocks that surround and protect your spinal cord.
Spinal metastases
Primary spinal tumours are tumours that originate within the tissues of the spine (unlike metastases, which arise from elsewhere in the body).
Spinal metastases are secondary tumours, which occur when cancer from elsewhere in your body spreads to your spine through your bloodstream. Unfortunately, these are the most common type of spinal tumour.
A tumour in the vertebrae may cause deep, aching back pain, which may worsen at night and make sleep difficult.
If the spinal cord is affected, you may experience:
- Weakness
- Leg paralysis
- Altered sensation
- Problems with bladder or bowel function.
Common cancers that may metastasise to the spine include breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney cancer. Early detection and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Primary spinal tumours
Primary spinal tumours are far less common than metastatic ones and originate within the spine or spinal cord rather than spreading there from elsewhere.
Examples include:
- Intramedullary tumours: Tumours such as astrocytomas and ependymomas grow within the spinal cord.
- Extramedullary tumours: Meningiomas and schwannomas develop outside the spinal cord but within its protective lining or surrounding structures.
Benign primary tumours can still cause significant issues due to their size or location, pressing on nerves and leading to pain or loss of function. If you have a primary tumour near the top of your spine, it may lead to numbness and weakness in your arms. If the tumour is lower down your spine, it may affect your sexual function, legs or bowel/bladder control.
Treatments for spinal tumours
Treatment depends on the type of tumour, its location and your overall health.
Options may include:
- Surgery: To remove the tumour, especially if it’s causing spinal instability or neurological issues.
- Radiation therapy: Often used for metastatic tumours or as a follow-up to surgery.
- Chemotherapy: Used for certain types of cancer that have spread to the spine.
- Medications: To manage pain, reduce swelling or strengthen bones.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to stabilise the spine and relieve pain.
Managing spinal tumours at Macquarie Neurosurgery and Spine
Treatment depends on the type of tumour, its location and your overall health.
Your doctor may refer you to one of our highly skilled neurosurgeons for assessment of a spinal tumour.
Your initial consultation will include a thorough review of your medical history, a close look at your scans or test results and a discussion of your symptoms. From there, we can recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for your spinal tumour.
Please contact us today.
References
- Chiu RG, Mehta AI. Spinal Metastases. JAMA. 2020;323(23):2438. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.0716, , [Accessed 23 January 2025]
- Cancer Research UK, Spinal cord tumours, [Accessed 23 January 2025]
