What is a spinal tumor?
A spinal tumor is a growth of abnormal cells in or around the spine. These tumors can form in different areas, including the spinal cord, the protective layers around it, or the bones of the spine.
A spinal tumor can affect movement, balance, and sensations like touch and pain since the spinal cord and nerves play an important role in these functions. When a tumor presses on the nerves, it may cause discomfort, weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs. Some people may also experience trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control or persistent back pain that doesn’t improve with rest. Spinal tumors in the bones are often spread from elsewhere in the body. They can weaken the bones and cause them to fracture.
While spinal tumors can be serious, treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. If you have ongoing back pain or other concerning symptoms, it's important to talk to a doctor.
Spine cancer symptoms
The symptoms of a spinal cord tumor vary based on its location, type and the person’s overall health. Tumors that spread from other parts of the body (metastatic tumors) tend to grow more quickly, while primary tumors typically develop slowly over weeks to years.
Tumors inside the spinal cord often cause symptoms across large areas of the body. Tumors outside the spinal cord may grow for a long time without causing noticeable nerve damage.
Common symptoms include:
- Abnormal sensations or numbness, especially in the legs, which may occur around the knee or ankle, sometimes with sharp pain radiating down the leg
- Back pain that worsens over time, typically in the middle or lower back. This pain is often severe, doesn’t improve with medication, and may worsen when lying down or during physical strain, like coughing or sneezing. It may also spread to the hips or legs
- Cold sensations in the legs, cool fingers or hands, or coolness in other areas of the body
- Fecal incontinence (loss of control over bowel movements)
- Urinary incontinence (inability to control urination)
- Muscle twitches, spasms or contractions (called fasciculations)
- Loss of muscle function or weakness, especially in the legs, which can make walking difficult and lead to falls
- Pain from metastatic tumors that doesn’t improve with rest, often worsens at night, and may be accompanied by symptoms of a serious illness such as weight loss, fever, chills, nausea or vomiting
When to see a doctor
People living with cancer who experience back pain without any obvious cause should see their oncologist immediately, as this could represent the spread of a tumor to the spine or potentially a fracture. For people without cancer, if you experience pain for any unknown reason, especially at night, you should seek an evaluation with your primary care physician (PCP).
If you are diagnosed with a spinal tumor or your PCP is concerned by the results, they will refer you to a spine surgeon. Many spine cancer symptoms, such as paralysis and loss of bladder or bowel function, need urgent medical attention. If you experience any of these, go to your local emergency room immediately.
Find specialized spinal tumor care near you
We have multiple locations across North and Central Texas to provide you with convenient access to expert care. Our specialized centers include oncology, neurology and spine care, all designed to meet the unique needs of patients with spinal tumors. Whether you're seeking diagnostic testing, treatment options or ongoing support, our dedicated healthcare teams are here to guide you every step of the way.
