When diagnosed with a tumor on your spine, that means there’s a growth that has developed within your spinal canal or within the bones of your spine. Spinal tumors can lead to pain and neurological problems, and, in some cases, they can be life-threatening. Thankfully for Orman, her tumor was found to be benign, or non-cancerous, but not everyone receives a benign diagnosis. The most common types of spinal cord tumors are intramedullary and extramedullary tumors. Intramedullary tumors develop in the spinal cord cells, while extramedullary tumors grow in the membrane around the spinal cord or in the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord. When it comes to benign spinal tumors like Orman’s, it’s possible that the patient may not have symptoms and the tumor may not grow, so a physician could recommend other options first. It is, however, important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of spinal cord tumors so you know when to seek medical attention: