Types of Spinal Tumors and Cancers

January 12, 2026

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Yvette Theodore, N.P., Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Duarte.

Spinal tumors can be classified in various ways — by the type of cell they start in, the part of the spinal cord where they grow or by certain genetic changes in the tumor. Many spinal tumors are benign (noncancerous), while others may be cancerous. Some tumor types are also more common in children than in adults.

Spinal tumors are also categorized as either primary or secondary. Primary tumors start in the spine, while secondary (metastatic) tumors spread to the spine from another part of the body.

Where Do Spinal Tumors Form?

Spinal tumors are sometimes described by the region of the spine in which they form or by their location within the spine.

The spine has different regions:

• Cervical spine: The neck area
• Thoracic spine: The upper and middle back
• Lumbar spine: The lower back
• Sacrum: The base of the spine, near the pelvis

The care team may also reference the tumor’s specific location in or around the spinal cord:

• Intradural-extramedullary: Tumors that grow inside the covering of the spinal cord (the dura) but outside the cord itself.
• Intramedullary: Tumors that grow inside the spinal cord.
• Extradural: Tumors that grow outside the covering of the spinal cord, often starting in the bones of the spine.

Types of Spinal Tumors

Astrocytoma: Tumors that start inside the spinal cord and may grow slowly or more aggressively depending on the type. Astrocytomas are more common in children.

Chordomas: Rare tumors that grow from the bones of the spine, often the base of the spine or skull. Chordomas are more common in adults and are usually slow-growing, but can recur after treatment.

Chondrosarcoma: Cancer that develops in the spine’s cartilage. Chondrosarcoma usually occurs in adults and tends to grow slowly.

Ependymomas: Tumors that develop inside the spinal cord from ependymal cells. Ependymomas are the most common spinal cord tumor in adults.

Ewing sarcoma: A rare but aggressive tumor that can grow in the bones of the spine or in nearby soft tissues. Ewing sarcoma is more common in children and young adults.

Gangliogliomas: Rare tumors made of both nerve and support cells. Gangliogliomas are often slow-growing and are more common in children and young adults.

Hemangioblastoma: A benign tumor that grows from blood vessel cells inside the spinal cord. Hemangioblastoma is usually found in young adults and can be linked to a genetic condition called von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.

Medulloblastoma: Aggressive tumors that begin in the brain but can spread to the spinal cord through spinal fluid. Medulloblastoma is usually seen in children.

Meningioma: Tumors that grow from the coverings of the spinal cord (meninges). Meningioma is usually benign and is more common in adults, especially women.

Neurofibroma: Benign tumors that form on the protective covering of the nerve (nerve sheath). Neurofibromas are most often found in young adults and are sometimes linked to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition.

Oligodendrogliomas: Rare tumors that start in the cells making the insulation around nerves (oligodendrocytes). Oligodendroglioma can grow inside the spinal cord and is more common in adults.

Osteosarcoma: An aggressive cancer that originates in the bone but is rare in the spine. Osteosarcoma is more common in children and teens.

Schwannomas: Almost always benign, these tumors grow from Schwann cells, which cover and protect nerves. Schwannomas are common in adults and are often slow-growing.

Spinal hemangioma: Very common benign tumor that grows on the backbone. Spinal hemangioma is typically found by accident and rarely causes symptoms. It’s most common in adults over 50, particularly women.

Spinal Tumors More Common in Children

The most common type of spinal tumor in children is astrocytoma, making up about 60% of pediatric spinal cancers.

Other spinal tumors that are more often seen in children include:

• Ependymomas
• Gangliogliomas
• Ewing sarcoma
• Medulloblastomas
• Osteosarcoma

Learn more about pediatric cancer

Spinal Tumors More Common in Adults

Sixty percent of spinal cord tumors in adults are ependymomas — making them the most common type. The following spinal tumors are also much more common in adults:

• Meningiomas
• Schwannomas
• Ependymomas
• Chordomas
• Chondrosarcoma
• Spinal hemangiomas