Each year, an estimated 18,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with spinal cancer. Spinal tumors, whether cancerous or noncancerous, can place significant pressure on the spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding structures, leading to pain, neurological dysfunction, and mobility challenges.
At UPMC, our spine oncology experts specialize in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of spinal tumors. Our goal is to preserve or improve mobility, protect neurological function, and provide effective pain relief through state-of-the-art treatment options.
What Are Spinal Tumors?
Spinal tumors are abnormal growths of tissue that develop within or near the spinal cord and spine. These tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may originate in the spine (primary tumors) or spread from cancer elsewhere in the body (secondary or metastatic tumors).
As spinal tumors grow, they can compress nerves, blood vessels, or bones, leading to pain, mobility issues, and neurological complications. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications such as spinal deformities or paralysis.
What types of spinal tumors do you treat?
At UPMC, our spine oncology specialists treat a wide range of spinal tumors, including:
- Hemangioblastomas – Benign vascular tumors of the spine.
- Hemangiomas – Common benign tumors found in the mid or lower back.
- Meningiomas – Tumors that develop in the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord.
- Metastatic tumors – Cancerous tumors that spread to the spine from other parts of the body.
- Neurofibromas – Benign tumors that arise from nerve sheath cells.
- Schwannoma tumors – Tumors that develop in the nerve sheath and are typically noncancerous.
- Vascular malformations – Abnormal connections between blood vessels in the spine.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Tumors?
The symptoms of spinal tumors depend on their size, location, and type. If left untreated, they may lead to permanent nerve damage, spinal deformities, or paralysis.
Common symptoms of spinal tumors include:
- Difficulty walking – Loss of balance or frequent falls.
- Loss of bowel or bladder function – Occurs when tumors press on spinal nerves.
- Nerve-related issues – Loss of sensation, muscle weakness, or numbness, often in the legs.
- Persistent back pain – Especially in the middle or lower back, which may worsen over time and spread to the hips, legs, feet, or arms.
- Spinal deformities – Including scoliosis or kyphosis in some cases.
- Paralysis – Varying in severity and location, depending on nerve compression.
How Do You Diagnose Spinal Tumors?
Early detection is key to improving treatment outcomes for spinal cancer. At UPMC, our specialists use the most advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to accurately identify spinal tumors before they cause severe or permanent damage.
Diagnostic tests for spinal tumors include:
- CT Scan – Provides detailed images of the bones, discs, nerves, and soft tissues in the spine.
- MRI – Creates high-resolution images of spinal structures to identify tumors and nerve involvement.
- Myelogram – Uses contrast dye and real-time X-rays or CT imaging to evaluate spinal cord compression.
- PET Scan – Helps detect cancerous activity in the bones, tissues, and organs.
- X-ray – Identifies spinal abnormalities, fractures, or structural changes caused by tumors.
How Do You Treat Spinal Tumors?
As one of the nation’s leading centers for spine surgery, UPMC treats both cancerous and noncancerous spinal tumors using a combination of advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Our multidisciplinary approach
Our spine oncology team includes experts in neurosurgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology who work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Surgical treatment for spinal tumors
UPMC’s spine surgeons specialize in the latest surgical techniques to remove tumors while preserving spinal stability and neurological function.
- Minimally invasive spine surgery – Small incisions reduce trauma, scarring, and recovery time.
- Pain management procedures – Includes nerve blocks and intrathecal drug pump implants.
- Stereotactic spine radiosurgery — a precise, noninvasive outpatient procedure delivering high-dose radiation to spinal tumors while sparing healthy tissue. UPMC is a world leader in this technique.
- Traditional open surgery – Used for larger or more complex spinal tumors requiring direct surgical removal.
Nonsurgical treatments for spinal cancer
Some spinal tumors can be managed with non-surgical treatments, either alone or in combination with surgery. These options include:
- Chemotherapy – Uses specialized drugs to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Conventional radiation therapy – Delivers high doses of radiation to shrink tumors and alleviate symptoms.
Why Choose UPMC for Spinal Cancer and Tumor Care?
At UPMC, our comprehensive, team-based approach to spinal tumor treatment ensures the highest level of patient care.
We combine cutting-edge technology, innovative surgical techniques, and expert multidisciplinary collaboration to provide:
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient.
- The latest in minimally invasive and noninvasive spinal tumor treatments.
- State-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools for precise tumor identification.
- World-class spine surgeons and oncology specialists.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-05-16.
