What is it?
Primary tumours or spread from another cancer can affect vertebrae or the spinal canal; pain alone cannot establish the diagnosis.
Symptoms and important signs
Persistent pain, night pain or neurological changes; symptoms vary.
How is it assessed?
Specialist examination and MRI; further tests or biopsy according to findings.
Care and treatment options
Treatment depends on tumour type, stability and neural compression, with coordinated specialist care.
When to seek help
New weakness or bladder or bowel dysfunction needs emergency assessment.