Management of intramedullary spinal cord tumors: An updated review

Abstract

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are one of the most challenging neurosurgical conditions. The compact spinal cord fiber bundles (ascending and descending tracts) and spinal cord vascularity are at a huge risk during tumor resection. Hence, the resection of such tumors always has an inherent risk of inducing neurological deficits. Thus, the determination of tumor–cord interface assumes the greatest importance. The refinement in surgical technique and intraoperative neuromonitoring has increased the safety level of modern-day results with such tumors. Management of tumor recurrence and the exact role of adjuvant therapy, however, remains to be defined. In this review, we highlight surgically relevant aspects of these tumors, the current state of adjuvant treatment choices, and a literature review.