Spinal cancer

Spinal cancer is an umbrella term for several types of cancer that can develop in the bones, tissue, fluid, or nerves of the spine.² 

Examples include:²

• Osteosarcoma - a type of cancer that usually starts in the cells that form bone
  
• Multiple myeloma - a cancer that begins in plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) and builds up in the bone marrow
• Lymphoma - a type of blood cancer that occurs when abnormal white blood cells (lymphocytes) grow uncontrollably in the lymphatic system. It can form in any part of the body that contains lymph tissue
• Chordoma - a rare, slow-growing type of bone cancer that usually occurs in the bones of the spine or the base of the skull
• Ewing sarcoma - a rare type of cancer that develops in bone or the soft tissue surrounding bones

The symptoms of spinal cancer can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. Symptoms may include:^1,3

• Back or neck pain that may also radiate to other parts of the body, sometimes caused by pressure on nerves
• Unexplained changes in bowel or bladder function
• Muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Back pain that worsens at night or when lying down

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have spinal cancer. If you are concerned or would like more information, please speak with your GP or specialist.

The exact cause of spinal cancer is not known, but several factors may increase the risk of developing the disease:^3,4

• Inherited syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis type 2 and Von Hippel–Lindau disease
• Radiation therapy received during childhood
• A weakened immune system
• Exposure to certain chemicals, including ionising radiation

If you visit your GP and they are concerned about any of your symptoms or risk factors, they may refer you to a specialist.

Tests used to diagnose spinal cancer may include:³

• Physical examination – your doctor may assess your spine and nervous system for signs of pain, weakness, or loss of function.
• Blood tests – these can check for abnormal levels of substances in your blood, such as calcium and alkaline phosphatase. Abnormal results may indicate changes in bone metabolism or tumour activity.
• Biopsy - involves removing a small sample of bone or tissue for examination in a laboratory to determine whether the tumour is benign or malignant. If malignant, the biopsy can also identify the cancer type, how advanced it is, and whether it is growing or spreading. A biopsy may require surgery but can sometimes be performed with a needle.
• Imaging scans - may include an X-ray of the spine, bone scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, myelogram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan. These scans help detect abnormalities in the spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding bone or soft tissue, and assess whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy that involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.^1,3

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that is intended to help your own immune system fight cancer. There are different types of immunotherapy for cancer that work in different ways.³

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages.^1,3

Surgery for spinal cancer may be combined with other treatments. It may involve complete or partial removal of a tumour.^1,3

Steroids may be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy treatment.³

This type of treatment is designed and aims to attack specific cancer cells. Targeted therapy medicines mimic antibodies that our bodies naturally produce that target and attach to proteins on cancer cells, making it easier for our immune system to find and destroy the cancer.³