Intradural spinal tumors

Abstract

Tumors of the spinal cord, exiting nerve roots, and enveloping meninges are very rare in childhood. Because of the high likelihood that these tumors are benign in nature and that their treatment should result in long survival times with the possibility of significant neurological morbidity, finding the optimal management is very important. The primary tumor pathologies that exist within the spinal cord proper include astrocytomas and ependymomas, but other types of tumors, including gangliogliomas, lipomas, and metastatic tumors, may also be found in this location. Complicated congenital defects related to occult spinal dysraphism may lead to teratomas and dermoids within the spinal cord.