Spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths that develop within the spinal cord or the surrounding membranes, which can be benign or malignant. These tumors can arise from the cells of the spinal cord itself, or from nearby tissues, such as the membranes covering the spinal cord or the nerve roots. Spinal cord tumors can be categorized into two main types: intramedullary tumors, which arise from the cells within the spinal cord, and extramedullary tumors, which develop outside the spinal cord but within the spinal canal. Symptoms of spinal cord tumors may include pain or numbness in the back or limbs, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, loss of bowel or bladder control, and changes in sensation or reflexes.