These malignant tumors usually produce pain that does not diminish with rest, and the nighttime pain may be worse than daytime pain. This type of tumor tends to occur in older adults.
Primary tumors tend to occur in younger adults.
If the primary tumor causes a fracture in the spine or leads to neurological problems, surgery is usually needed to stabilize the spine. If the tumor causes back pain only, and is sensitive to radiation, radiation therapy can often diminish the pain without surgery.