Spine Tumor

A tumor of the spine is an abnormal growth that develops in or near the spinal canal or spinal column. The tumor can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Spinal Tumor Symptoms

Symptoms of spinal tumors vary depending on the type, location and size of the tumor and can include:

• Constant neck or back pain often that wakes patients from sleep
• Pain at the tumor location
• Limited movement of the back/spine
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis and Treatment

Spinal tumors are diagnosed through X-rays, MRI imaging, a CT scan and a biopsy (to determine tumor type).

Noncancerous tumor treatment options may include:

• Observation (if the spinal tumor is causing mild symptoms or no symptoms)
• Steroid injections
• Surgery to remove all or part of the tumor

Cancerous tumor treatments include:

• Surgery to remove all or part of the tumor
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Contact Us

To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call the spine team at UM St. Joseph Medical Center at 410-337-4882. Meet our expert spine team.