A spinal tumour is a growth that develops within the spinal canal or within the spinal bones. Tumours that arise from the bones of the spine are called vertebral tumours. 

A spinal tumor may arise within the spinal cord- most common tumours are astrocytomas or ependymomas (figure spinal intramedullary). 

Tumours may also develop from the supporting cells which line the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Most common tumours are schwannomas, meningiomas and neurofibromas. Though the lie outside the spinal cord, they can compress the spinal cord and produce symptoms.

Spinal intramedullary ependymoma

Common symptoms of spinal tumours are: back pain, difficulty in using hands or walking, altered sensation in hand or legs, bowel and bladder disturbances.

Diagnosis:MRI is the modality of choice for evaluation of spinal tumours. It provides information on the location of tumour, its relation to the spinal cord and nerves.

Management:

Surgery for spinal tumours provides tissue for histopathological examination. Adjuvant therapy in the form of radiation for tumours like astrocytomas and ependymomas is based on tissue biopsy and extent of surgical resection. For tumours like meningiomas and neurofibromas/schwannomas complete excision forms the mainstay of treatment.