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In order to help determine which treatment is best suited to the individual, tumours are given a grade, which describes how abnormal cells look underneath the microscope. Macmillan Cancer
Support explains that most spinal cord tumours are low-grade, meaning they grow slowly. Low-grade spinal cord tumours do not usually spread to other parts of the brain or spine. But they may
cause problems by continuing to grow and pressing on nearby nerves or the bones of the spine. Whereas, high-grade spinal cord tumours grow more quickly and may need urgent treatment. For
some low-grade cancers, doctors may suggest “active monitoring” instead of other treatment options. This means individuals will go for regular check-ups to monitor the size and any changes
to the tumour. As Buchanan also had spinal arthritis, which might have caused similar symptoms to his cancer, it can be tricky to know when aches and pains are a sign of something more
serious.