What is intradural tumors?

A spinal cord tumor, also called an intradural tumor, is a spinal tumor that that begins within the spinal cord or the covering of the spinal cord (dura). A tumor that affects the bones of the spine (vertebrae) is called a vertebral tumor.

What is an epidural tumor?

Extradural tumors (also known as epidural tumors) form inside the spinal column and may involve the vertebrae, but typically don’t affect the spinal cord. They are often located in the epidural space, which is the area surrounding the outer – dura – membrane that protects the spinal cord.

What is the most common spinal cord tumor?

Ependymoma. An ependymoma is the most common type of spinal cord tumor. It begins in the ependymal cells, which line the central canal of the spinal cord and help to direct the flow of fluid in the spinal canal.

What is spinal epidural metastasis?

Patients with epidural metastases compressing the spinal cord or cauda equina present with neurological symptoms referable to the site(s) of the neuraxis that is being compressed. The most common symptom is progressive back pain, typically occurring 2–3 months before imaging and diagnosis3.

Can spinal cord Tumor be cured?

If treatment is needed, these tumors can usually be cured if they can be removed completely with surgery. Radiation therapy may be used along with, or instead of, surgery for tumors that can’t be removed completely.

Are spinal cord tumors rare?

Primary spinal cord tumors — tumors that originate in the spine rather than spread to the spine from elsewhere in the body — are usually benign. They are so rare that they account for only a half of one percent of all newly diagnosed tumors. Malignant primary tumors of the spinal cord are even less common.

What are the symptoms of intradural extramedullary spinal tumors?

The most common presenting symptoms include weakness, back pain and radicular pain. Pathology. Schwannomas are the most common intradural extramedullary spinal lesions (30% cases), followed by meningiomas (25% cases) 2.

Which is the most common intradural extramedullary neoplasm?

In children, the most common intradural extramedullary neoplasms are drop metastases from primary brain tumors (most commonly medulloblastoma ). In adults, the most common drop metastases are from glioblastoma.

Where are extramedullary tumors located in the spinal cord?

Intradural extramedullary neoplasms are located outside the spinal cord but within the dural sheath. The majority (70-80%) of spinal canal tumors are intradural extramedullary 1.

What are the symptoms of spinal canal tumors?

The majority (70-80%) of spinal canal tumors are intradural extramedullary 1. Patients present with signs and symptoms of spinal cord or nerve root compression. Common presentations include weakness, localized back pain, radicular pain, sensory deficits, and gait ataxia.