Pediatric Spinal Cord Tumors: Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Pediatric intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) are rare, and still represent a diagnostic, surgical and medical challenge to modern neurosurgeons. Advances in imaging technology, microsurgical techniques and equipment, and genetic profiling have increased our understanding of these tumors and their management guidelines. In this chapter, we review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, pathological classification, and genetic profiles of the most common pediatric IMSCTs. In the second part, we discuss treatment strategies, including microsurgical nuances and the current state of the art surgical devices, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery remains the gold-standard treatment, and modern neurosurgeons are required to perfect their microsurgical abilities to improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed in the future to refine the genetic classification and targeting of these tumors.