Whats the difference with tumors in the spinal canal vs spinal cord?

Look up the anatomy: Spinal cord is a neurological structure which runs inside the spine; the space inside the spine is called spinal canal. Cord is a vital organ that controlls our arms and legs movements, whereas the spinal canal is just a channel wherein lies the spinal cord.

The cord runs: Through the canal. The tumors in each can be different in there aggressiveness and also in there neurologic symptoms and progressions. Tumors within the cord can be more aggressive the neurologic loss, but either can cause progressive weakness or paralysis. Tumors of the cord itself tend to be a little more aggressive, but overall it depends on the histology.