Types of brain 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
The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that stretches from the brain to the lower part of your back. The nerves send messages that control movement and feeling in different parts of our body. The bones around the spinal cord are called vertebrae and they protect the spinal cord.
Primary spinal cord tumours can start in:
the cells of the spinal cord itself
the membranes (meninges) that cover the spinal cord
the nerves of the spinal cord
The nerves that control the movement and feeling of our body come out of different parts on the spine. Tumours that start on the top part of the spine can cause numbness and weakness on your arms. And tumours in the lower part of the spinal can affect your:
legs
bowel or bladder control
sexual function
Symptoms of spinal cord tumours include pain and numbness or weakness in different parts of the body. You may also lose control of your bladder or bowel.
Doctors use different terms to describe spinal cord tumours.
You might hear the term 'intradural'. The dura is the tough outer layer of tissue that covers the brain and the spinal cord. Intradural tumours start within the spinal cord or within the covering of the spinal cord.
Your doctor might also describe your tumour as intramedullary or extramedullary.
These tumours begin in the cells within the spinal cord. Common types of intramedullary tumours include:
gliomas
astrocytomas
ependymomas
These tumours begin within the spine's protective cover (dura), but are outside the actual spinal cord. Examples of extramedullary tumours include:
meningiomas
neurofibromas
schwannomas
We have information about different types of tumour
Some tumours start in the bones in the spinal column (vertebrae). For example, chordoma is a rare type of bone cancer that usually starts in the bones of the spine or skull. We have information about chordomas in the bone cancer section.
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the plasma cells. Myeloma commonly affects the vertebrae.
Some cancers can spread into the vertebrae from elsewhere in the body. These are called secondary bone cancers or metastases. For example, lung, breast and prostate cancer can spread to the vertebrae.
Find out about secondary bone cancer
Your doctor may also tell you how fast growing your tumour is. Spinal cord tumours can be low grade (slow growing) or high grade (fast growing).
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.
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 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
You have regular appointments with your doctor or nurse after treatment finishes. Your doctor examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You might have hearing tests. And you might also have MRI scans on some visits.
How often you have check ups depends on your individual situation.
Read more about follow up appointments after treatment for brain tumour
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
Doctors are always trying to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours. As part of your treatment, your doctor might ask you to take part in a clinical trial. This might be to test a new treatment or look at different combinations of existing treatments.
Find out about the latest UK research and how you can take part in a clinical trial
Last reviewed: 24 Mar 2023
Next review due: 24 Mar 2026
Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumour.
Common symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, feeling or being sick and seizures (fits).
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
Survival depends on different factors such as the type, position and grade of your brain or spinal cord tumour.
Primary brain tumours are cancers that start in the brain.
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What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
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