Spinal cancer involves abnormal growths, or tumors, that develop within or around the spinal cord and its protective coverings, including the vertebrae. These tumors can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). While any spinal growth is a serious medical concern, spinal cancer is uncommon compared to other more frequently diagnosed cancers.
Understanding Overall Incidence
The American Cancer Society states the lifetime chance of developing a malignant brain or spinal cord tumor is less than one percent. Approximately 24,820 malignant brain or spinal cord tumors are diagnosed annually in the United States, a number significantly lower than more common cancers. Primary tumors, originating in the spine, are particularly uncommon; benign primary spinal tumors account for about 0.5% of all newly diagnosed tumors.
The overall incidence of primary spinal cord tumors is estimated at 0.74 per 100,000 person-years. For malignant primary spinal cord tumors, the age-adjusted incidence rate is about 0.32 per 100,000 population. These figures combine brain and spinal cord tumors due to their shared central nervous system classification, but spinal tumors make up a smaller portion of this total.
Prevalence by Type
Spinal tumors are categorized by origin: primary tumors begin in the spine, while metastatic tumors spread from cancer elsewhere in the body. Metastatic spinal tumors are significantly more common, accounting for approximately 97% of all spinal tumors. Between 30% and 70% of cancer patients may experience spinal metastasis during their disease.
Common primary cancers that spread to the spine include lung, breast, and prostate cancers. Kidney, thyroid, gastrointestinal cancers, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma also frequently metastasize to the spine. These metastatic tumors often affect the bony spine, potentially compressing nerves or the spinal cord.
Several types of primary spinal tumors are recognized. Meningiomas, arising from the membranes covering the spinal cord, are among the most common primary types and are often benign. Schwannomas and neurofibromas, tumors of the nerve roots, are also prevalent. Ependymomas and astrocytomas are common primary tumors that grow within the spinal cord.
Factors Influencing Occurrence
Several demographic and genetic factors influence spinal cancer risk. Age is a factor; some primary spinal tumors are more common in adults, particularly those aged 40-59 or 65-74 years, while others are seen in children, typically between 10 and 16 years.
Gender also plays a role. Meningiomas are more frequently observed in women. Conversely, incidence rates for primary spinal cord ependymomas and astrocytomas can be lower in females than in males.
Certain genetic syndromes, such as Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), Type 2 (NF2), and Von Hippel-Lindau disease, increase the risk of primary spinal tumors. These conditions involve genetic mutations that predispose individuals to nervous system tumor growth. Prior radiation exposure, especially during childhood, has also been linked to an increased risk of secondary spinal column tumors.