tumour

A tumour in the spine is seen via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This scanning method is very useful in diagnosing disease in soft tissue such as the brain and spinal cord. It also has the advantage that the patient is not exposed to harmful radiation.

Overproduction of cells in a specific area of the body, often leading to a swelling or lump. Tumours are classified as benign or malignant (see cancer). Benign tumours grow more slowly, do not invade surrounding tissues, do not spread to other parts of the body, and do not usually recur after removal. However, benign tumours can be dangerous in areas such as the brain. The most familiar types of benign tumour are warts on the skin. In some cases, there is no sharp dividing line between benign and malignant tumours.