Minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of intramedullary spinal tumors.

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors constitute 8% to 10% of all primary spinal cord tumors. The clinical presentation of primary spinal cord tumors is determined in part by the location of the tumor, and in nearly all clinical instances pain is the predominant presenting symptom. Motor disturbance is the next most common symptom, followed by sensory loss. Diagnosis of a primary spinal cord tumor requires a high index of suspicion based on clinical signs and symptoms, in addition to spine-directed magnetic resonance imaging.