What is it?

Spinal tumours occur in two main forms:

Tumours of the bones

These are normally secondary (metastatic) tumours that have spread from a primary cancer elsewhere in the body such as breast, prostate or kidney cancer. They also include blood cell tumours such as lymphoma and myeloma as well as rare primary bone tumours.

Intradural tumours

These tumours occur within the lining (dura) covering the spinal cord, nerves and spinal fluid. They are most commonly benign tumours such as meningioma or nerve sheath tumours. They are much less common than bone tumours.

Rarest of all are tumours within the spinal cord itself and these are called intramedullary tumours.

Surgery for spinal tumours can be performed in order to:

• Remove or debulk the tumour
• Obtain a diagnosis
• Stabilise the spine

Diagnosis and treatment options

We understand that being diagnosed with a spinal tumour is very stressful.

What investigation and treatment options are right for you will depend on your individual case details and preferences.

Your OrthTeam consultant is part of the regional spinal tumour and neuro-oncology multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) and your case will be discussed at a tumour board with input from radiologists, oncologists, nurse specialists, allied health professionals as well as other specialist surgeons.

Your consultant will fully discuss with you the outcome of these meetings and the recommendations for any further treatment.

If surgery is recommended, then you will have adequate time to discuss the intended benefits of surgery, how the operation will be performed and any risks involved. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your expected post-operative recovery and further treatment needs.