Benign Spinal Tumors: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Spinal tumors can occur anywhere along the length of your spine. Your doctor can perform a biopsy to see if the tumor is benign or malignant and discuss treatment options with you.

Spinal Tumor

• A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth found near or within the spinal column and surrounding tissues. A tumor that is not cancerous is called benign, as stated in Neurosurgery Today.

Causes

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the growth of benign spinal tumors is associated with compromised immune systems and hereditary cancers.

Symptoms

• A benign spinal tumor can cause symptoms such as back pain that radiates to your arms and legs, mobility problems and loss of bladder control.

Treatment

• Benign spinal tumors located near your vertebrae can often be completely removed through surgery. Some tumors can be broken up with sound waves.

Considerations

• Benign spinal tumors often grow so slowly that it can take years for one to become large enough to cause health problems.