intramedullary tumours (spinal)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Intramedullary tumours of the spine occur infrequently in comparison to extramedullary types. They are most common in the thoracic and cervical regions.
Principal types:
- ependymomas - arise from ependymal lining of the central canal; over 50% are around the cauda equina
- gliomas - most commonly, astrocytomas (grades I, II)
Less commonly:
- metastases from bronchial primary tumour
- seeding from intracranial tumours - glioblastomas, medulloblastomas
Degeneration of the tumour produces intramedullary cysts.