Spine & Spinal Cord Tumors

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Tumors in and around the spine and spinal cord aren’t as common as brain tumors, but they do occur. The majority of spinal cord tumors are found in children and young adults, but anyone can be diagnosed with a tumor at any point in their life.

Both primary and secondary spinal tumors are caused by abnormal cell growth. Approximately 3,000 children are diagnosed with spinal tumors annually. In some cases, the cause may be prolonged exposure to chemicals or radiation, but it’s also possible that environmental factors and genetics play a role in a tumor’s development. For example, spine tumors can form because of neurofibromatosis, a hereditary disease that involves tumors on or near the spinal nerves.

About 90% of spinal cord tumors originate in the cells next to the spinal cord, such as the spine nerve roots. Only 10% of all primary spinal cord tumors begin in the cells within the spinal cord itself.

Types of Spine and Spinal Cord Tumors

Tumors in the spine and spinal cord are divided into four primary types: primary benign tumors, primary malignant tumors, metastatic tumors and tumors that originate in or near the spine.

Spinal and Spinal Cord Tumor Causes

Find out the causes of spine and spinal cord tumors, which can be caused by a number of factors.

Symptoms of Spine and Spinal Cord Tumors

The symptoms of tumors of the spine can be similar to many other diseases. Find out what the most common symptoms are so you know when you should see a doctor.

Diagnosing and Grading Spine and Spinal Cord Tumors

Early detection is very important in spine and spinal cord tumors as several forms can lead to paralysis and permanent injury.

Spine and Spinal Cord Treatments

Depending on the type of tumor and its location, doctors at the Florida Hospital Brain and Spinal Cancer Program will utilize a precise mix of advanced treatments, from surgery and chemotherapy to radiation therapy and new innovations available through clinical trials.