A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth (mass) of cells within or surrounding your spinal cord and/or spinal column..

Your spine (backbone) is the long, flexible column of bones that protects your spinal cord. It begins at the base of your skull and ends in your tailbone, which is part of your pelvis.

Your spinal cord is a cylindrical structure that runs through the center of your spine, from your brainstem (the bottom of your brain) to your low back. It contains nerve bundles and cells that carry messages from your brain to the rest of your body, and from your body to your brain.

Spinal tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If the tumor continues to grow, it can cause damage to different tissues in your spinal column.