The most noticeable sign of spinal cancer is pain. Pain can come from the tumor's presence in the spinal column, pushing on sensitive nerve endings or causing spinal instability. When the spine is not lined up properly, other physically notable symptoms may result (e.g., changes in posture, Kyphosis or hunchback).

When the tumor presses on the spinal cord, symptoms may begin with numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. Next, there may be clumsiness, not knowing where the feet are, and difficulty with buttons or keys. As the disease progresses, spinal cancer symptoms may grow to include weakness, inability to move the legs and eventually paralysis.