Tumors of the Spinal Cord

Abstract

Spinal tumours are seen less frequently than brain tumours and constitute approximately 10-25 % of the central nervous system tumours. Most of these tumors are benign. Spinal tumours have been an important area of interest and research for spinal surgery which is an important part of neurosurgery. Parallel to the technological advances in the diagnosis and treatment procedures a positive trend is observed in terms of morbidity and mortality rates. The use of Magnetic Resonance imaging routinely has had a big impact in these results. The cellular types, localization, the growth pace of spinal tumours and neurological status at presentation are important parameters that determine prognosis. Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy have emerged in recent years. Cyberknife appears as a viable alternative with low morbidity rates.