Spinal Cord Cancer

Spinal Cord Cancer - Cancer that begins in the spinal cord. Part of the central nervous system (CNS), the spinal cord is a column of nerve tissue which extends from the base of the brain down the back. It is surrounded by three protective membranes, and is enclosed within the vertebrae. Spinal cord cancer is a relatively rare condition that can form in the bones, tissues, fluid, or nerves of the spine. Spinal cord tumors are classified according to their location on the spine. Most tumors of the spinal cord are metastatic tumors, which have spread to the spine from another site located elsewhere in the body (e.g., lungs, breast, prostate, kidney).

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