Spinal Cord Tumors Key Features
Occur most frequently in the thoracic area. Venous occlusion by the tumor may lead to spinal cord congestion and infarction.
The appearance of neurologic signs and symptoms is related to the rate of tumor growth. The spinal cord can often accommodate a slow growing tumor. On the other hand, a fast growing tumor quickly leads to spinal cord compression.
Anatomically, spinal cord tumors may be extramedullary or intramedullary, i.e. originate within or out of the spinal cord.
Spinal cord tumors account for about 1% of all tumors in adults.
The majority of tumors are benign.