A spinal tumor is generally referred to as an irregular growth of cells present within the spinal columns. These tumors can either be malignant or benign. These tumors can be categorised on two basis:

1. By the area of the spine

Primary spinal tumors

These kinds of tumors take place in the spinal column like extending the bones, discs, nerves or other elements present within the spine. Primary spinal tumors are generally benign and strike within people of younger age.
One of the most common non-cancerous primary spinal tumors is Hemangiomas. However other too most common primary spinal tumors that are malignant in nature are Osteosarcomas and multiple myeloma.

Secondary spinal tumors

These are metastatic tumors that originate from cancer that has occurred in some other body part but has extended into the spine.
These are the most common types of tumors in the spine that are cancerous and have a higher probability of spreading and growing within the body.
Lung, breast and prostate are some of the regions within the body from where these cancerous cells spread and lodge into the spine.

2. By their location

Extradural Tumor

This tumor is located on the exteriors of the outermost protective layer of the spinal cord (dura) which is termed as an extradural tumor. However, these types of tumors are generally metastatic and can extend from cancer situated in other body parts.

Intradural-Extramedullary Tumor

Yet another type of spinal tumor based on its location, this tumor grows beneath the external layer (dura) that protects the spinal cord but is located on the exteriors of the spinal cord. Generally, these types of tumors are non-cancerous and slow in growth. They can result in symptoms such as pain and weakness. Further, these tumors are divided into two parts :

Meningiomas

These tumors originate within the membranes that surround the spinal cord and are commonly found in women ranging from middle to older age.

Nerve sheath tumors

These tumors crop up from the nerve roots that come from the spinal cord. These types of tumors might be present for longer within the patient's body before showcasing the neurological symptoms.

Intramedullary tumor

This tumor develops within the spinal cord and particularly originates from the cells that offer insulation and physical support for the nervous system. Generally, these tumors take place in the cervical spine or neck. They seem to be benign in nature but are complicated to remove through surgery. Astrocytomas and ependymomas are the most common kinds of intramedullary tumors.

Symptoms of Spinal Tumor

Spinal cord tumors can result in various signs and symptoms particular when the tumor grows. The tumors might impact your spine or the nerve roots, bones or blood vessels of your spine. The signs and symptoms comprise of :

1. Because of the growth of the tumor there is a pain at the site of the tumor
2. Pain in the back often extending to other body parts
3. Becoming less sensitive towards pain, cold and heat
4. Improper functioning of the bladder or loss of bowel
5. Difficulty in walking and at times leading to falls.
6. Pain the back that worsens during the night
7. Loss of sensation or weakening of muscles specifically in your legs and arms
8. The weakening of muscles which can be either mild or severe, in different body parts

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