A Neglected Giant Cervical Intradural Extramedullary Tumor

Abstract

Primary spinal tumors are rarely seen, and representing 4-8% of all central nervous system tumors. Extradural tumors constitute approximately 40% of intraspinal tumors whereas intradural-extramedullary tumors make up the remaining approximately 60%. These tumors are classified as extradural, intradural, extramedullary, and intramedullary depending on their origin and anatomic location. Intradural extramedullary spinal tumors form schwannomas and meningiomas. Spinal meningiomas are usually intradural extramedullary tumors. Meningiomas can be seen in epidural localization, extradural extension only, with nerve rostral invasion as, vertebral meningioma, or as multiple spinal meningioma. Spinal meningiomas are the most common intradural-extramedullary tumors and are generally slowgrowing. Spinal meningiomas may have different clinical manifestations depending on their location and size. Surgical treatment should be planned according to the size of the tumor in the clinical situation after diagnosis. This study reports the case of a 57-year-old female patient presenting with a one-month history of increasing weakness in the lower extremities and numbness in the upper extremities. In addition, the report includes a literature review.

Keywords

• giant cervical spinal tumor
• meningioma
• posterior stabilization
• neglect