Whether a tumor in the thoracic spine is benign or malignant usually requires an MRI and pathology tests, among other things, to make a definitive diagnosis. It can also be determined according to age, growth rate, symptoms and so on. 1. Age: Usually most of the thoracic spine tumors in children are benign tumors, while the chances of malignant changes will increase in middle-aged patients. 2. Growth rate: If the tumor grows slowly and the border is clear, it may be a benign tumor. If the tumor grows fast and the boundary is not clear, it may be malignant tumor. 3. Symptoms: benign thoracic spine tumor may not have obvious symptoms, or mechanical pain, which is mild and has no obvious specificity. On the other hand, malignant tumors will have localized lumps and will compress the surrounding tissues, causing pain and discomfort, neurological dysfunction, spinal deformity and other symptoms. Whether a thoracic spine tumor is benign or malignant needs to be further examined under the guidance of a doctor to determine. Whether benign or malignant, it should be detected and treated early.