Spinal cord tumours

Tumours that start in the spinal cord are called primary spinal cord tumours. They are rare. There are different types of primary spinal cord tumours. The most common types are:

• meningiomas

• tumours of the spinal nerves (neurofibromas and schwannomas)

• ependymomas.

Cancers can spread to the spinal cord from elsewhere in the body. These are called spine metastases or secondary cancers. They are different from ones that started in the spine (primary spinal cord tumours). They often need different treatment.

Find out more about secondary cancers

How common it is

Spinal cord tumours are rare. Around 3 in every 100 brain tumours (around 3%) start in the spinal cord. They are more common in adults than in children.

What tests will I have?

You have tests to diagnose a spinal cord tumour. Your doctor checks the size of the tumour and whether it has spread. This helps your doctor plan your treatment. The tests you might have include:

• MRI scan or CT scan

• biopsy

• blood tests

• a test to check the fluid that circulates around your brain and spinal cord (lumbar puncture)

We have more information about the tests you might have to diagnose a spinal cord tumour

Treatment

Treatment for a spinal cord tumour depends on:

• the type of tumour you have

• its position on the spinal cord

• your age and how well you are

Treatment can be different for adults and children. The information on this page is about treatment for adults.

We have information about treatment for children’s brain tumours

Coping with spinal cord tumours

Coping with a diagnosis of a spinal cord tumour can be difficult, both practically and emotionally. It can be especially difficult when you have a rare tumour. Being well informed about the type of tumour you have, and its treatment can make it easier to cope.  

Find out what you can do, who can help and how to cope with a brain tumour