Is Cancer in the Spine Fatal? Topic Guide

Bone cancer is a malignant bone tumor. There are several types of bone cancer, including osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma,  chondrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, fibrosarcoma, and chordoma. Symptoms and signs include pain, fracture, a lump or mass over the bone, fever, chills, anemia, and weight loss. Advancements in early diagnosis and treatment options have improved bone cancer prognosis. Though treatment for bone cancer depends upon the tumor location, cancer stage, and type of cancer, treatment usually includes surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.

Brain cancer may develop in primary brain cells, in cells that form other brain components, or from the growth of cancer cells in other parts of the body that have spread to the brain. Symptoms include headache, seizures, weakness, and nausea and vomiting. Treatment depends upon the patient's age, overall health, and the size, type, location, and grade of the tumor.

Cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve in the neck, can be treated with neck immobilization, physical therapy, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. Severe cases may require surgery to release the nerve compression.