Summary The case histories of 16 children with tumors involving the spinal cord are reported. The diagnoses were difficult. It is the belief of the author that a tumor involving the spinal cord, giving rise to symptoms, will almost invariably be accompanied by persistent spinal rigidity and irritability. Although intramedullary and intradural tumors were not diagnosed for months or years in spite of repeated examinations and investigations, the outcome was excellent once the diagnosis was made. Extradural involvement of the spinal cord tended to produce more rapid compression of the cord with paraplegia and by nature of the systemic disease involved often had a poorer prognosis. Routine investigations, such as x-rays of the vertebral column, are regarded too frequently as satisfactory evidence of the absence of disease. A more specific examination of these x-rays is suggested, as in many cases, a retrospective examination of the original films, usually reported as normal, showed conclusive evidence of disease. On occasion, in the presence of a tumor of the spinal cord, the data from lumbar puncture may be normal. A myelogram should be done where a spinal cord tumor is suspected as in experienced hands it is a safe and essential procedure. The possibility of hysteria frequently arises. It is of importance to demonstrate that the child is hysterical and to remember that hysteria may coexist in a situation of painful organic disease.