CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Spinal cancer
Several types of tumour can start in the spinal cord. If you are diagnosed with spinal cancer or spinal cord tumours, you will have immediate access to our world-leading consultants and state-of-the-art hospitals.
About spinal cancer
Most cancer in the spine arises within the bones, having spread from elsewhere in the body. Occasionally tumours may arise directly from the tissues of the nervous system. Both benign and malignant spinal cancers cause signs and symptoms that require treatment.
Types of spinal cancer
Ependymomas
Ependymomas belong to a group of tumours called gliomas. They can start in the spinal cord or brain.
Nerve-sheath tumours
A type of tumour that originates in the central nervous system (CNS) in the spinal cord.
Need to know
Symptoms of spinal cancer may include:
- back or neck pain that does not get better with rest
- numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
- a change in normal bowel or bladder habits
- loss of appetite, unplanned weight loss, nausea, vomiting or generally feeling unwell
You will have imaging tests to diagnose spinal cancer. This may include:
- an MRI scan of the brain and spine
- CT scan
- X-ray
Treatment options will depend on your age, general health and the position, size and type of the tumour you have. They may include:
- Steroid injections to help control the symptoms.
- Surgery. Your consultant will attempt to remove the entire tumour, or as much of it as possible (debulking surgery).
- Radiotherapy. This may be used after surgery or as the main treatment if surgery is not possible.
- Anti-cancer drugs such as chemotherapy.
Our Spinal cancer locations
Leaders in Oncology Care
95-97 Harley Street W1G 6AF London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Private Care at Guy's
Great Maze Pond SE1 9RT London
Sarah Cannon Research Institute
93 Harley Street W1G 6AD London
Specialised spinal cord injury programme
Circus Road St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
Alan's story
Despite years of experiencing heart problems that just wouldn’t go away, Alan was apprehensive about having a surgical procedure. But with the expertise of his consultant and the latest cardiac technology, he decided to go ahead.
Andrew's story
“I couldn’t move my legs at all, and my arms only partially. But now I can walk six miles. I wouldn’t have got that without the physio team at The Christie Private Care, I simply wouldn’t have.”
How a second opinion helped uncover a hidden cardiac problem
Former Olympic swimmer, Adrian, was used to prioritising his physical wellbeing and continued to exercise regularly, keeping him in good health into his 60s. But when he got out of the pool one day, he noticed that something wasn’t right.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.