Spine

Spinal cancer

Spinal cancer affects the spinal cord; it is also referred to as spinal cord compression. Cancerous spinal tumours that develop on the spinal cord cause problems as they press on the nerves that run down the spine. If left, they can keep growing and spread to nearby tissue or brain.

No more than 5% of people are diagnosed with a spinal cord tumour in the UK each year.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a spinal tumour is pain in your neck or back, including:

• Pain that gets worse or doesn’t ease
• Pin that disrupts your sleep or wakes you up at night
• Worsening pain when you cough, sneeze or while going to the toilet

Further information & support

Being diagnosed with spinal cancer and deciding on the best treatment can be daunting, for full details on spinal treatment options or to discuss a diagnosis, please contact our enquiries team. Our enquiries team will endeavour to help you assess your treatment options and advise which consultants could be best placed to plan your treatment pathway.

Macmillan Cancer Support offers a wide range of information and support, as well as help with your practical, emotional, and financial needs. All telephone helplines are free and confidential, and interpreting services are also available.

Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 8.00pm) Website: www.macmillan.org.uk