Spinal tumor

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Definition Symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs

Definition

Occasional back pain is a common problem, and most occurrences stem from normal stresses and strains or from degenerative changes that come with aging. But sometimes the cause may be a spinal tumor — a cancerous or noncancerous growth that develops within or near the spinal cord or in the bones of the spine. 

In most areas of the body, noncancerous tumors aren't particularly worrisome. That's not necessarily the case with the spinal cord, where a spinal tumor or a growth of any kind can impinge on nerves, leading to pain, neurological problems and sometimes paralysis.

A spinal tumor, whether cancerous or not, can threaten life and cause permanent disability. Yet advances in spinal tumor treatment offer more options than ever before to people with spinal tumors.

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Symptoms