Experts classify spinal cord tumors according to what section of the spine they're in and where they occur within the spine. Sections of the spine include:
- Cervical spine: Upper spine and neck
- Lumbar spine: Lower spine
- Sacrum: Base of the spine that connects to the pelvis
- Thoracic spine: Middle part of the spine
Doctors grade spinal cord tumors based on their location and how quickly they're growing. We also look at whether cancer is spreading to other parts of the body. We use this information to decide how to treat you.
Our neuro-oncology team treats all types of spinal cord tumors in people of all ages. We treat:
Intradural-extramedullary spinal cord tumors
These spinal cord tumors begin inside the spinal cord's covering (dura). They include:
- Ependymomas: Tumors that begin in ependymal cells. Ependymal cells are one type of support cell for the brain and spinal cord (glial cells).
- Meningiomas: Cancer forms in the layers of tissue that protect the spinal cord.
- Neurofibromas: Noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the cells covering nerves.
- Schwannomas: Tumors begin in the cells that insulate the brain and spinal cord's nerves (Schwann cells).
Intramedullary spinal cord tumors
Intramedullary tumors are tumors that grow inside the spinal cord. These tumors usually develop in glial cells or ependymal cells. Intramedullary tumors include:
- Astrocytomas: Tumors that begin in certain glial cells known as astrocytes.
- Ependymomas: Tumors that start in ependymal cells.
Extradural spinal cord tumors
These tumors begin outside the spinal cord's dura. Extradural tumors are more likely to be metastatic spinal cord tumors.