Spinal Tumors

As with other forms of cancer, a tumor of the spine is a very serious condition that should be examined immediately and diagnosed early for optimal prognosis. The spinal cord is a long, fragile tube-like structure that begins at the end of the brain stem and stretches downward toward the hips. The spinal column protects the spinal cord and with the brain forms the central nervous system.

There are two main components of the spine: bones and spinal cord. Tumors can occur in the bones, in the spinal cord or outside the spinal cord. The lesion or tumor that is found in any of these locations is classified based on which area it is affecting.

Penn Medicine’s Spinal Tumor Program treats primary and metastatic spinal column and spinal cord tumors using advanced imaging and surgical technology. Together with our neuro-oncology team, we create a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes radiation and chemotherapy for malignant spinal tumors.