What type of growth can a spinal tumor be?

Spinal tumors can indeed be classified as both benign and malignant. This diversity in growth type is significant in understanding the implications of a spinal tumor.

Benign tumors typically grow more slowly and are less likely to spread to other parts of the body. They may still cause issues by pressing on nerves or the spinal cord, affecting function or causing pain, even though they do not invade surrounding tissues aggressively.

Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are cancerous and can grow rapidly, invade nearby tissues, and have the potential to metastasize to other areas of the body. The presence of malignant tumors in the spine can pose more severe risks to health and often requires a more aggressive treatment approach.

Since spinal tumors can exhibit a range of behaviors from benign to malignant, the correct answer reflects this important characteristic of spinal neoplasms. Understanding this distinction is crucial in diagnosing and deciding on potential treatment plans for individuals presenting with spinal tumors.