Neurocytoma of the spinal cord

Abstract

This article presents an overview of spinal neurocytomas. A rare manifestation of an uncommon tumor, extraventricular neurocytomas (EVNs) should be included in the differential for spinal intradural and intramedullary tumors. Spinal EVNs are generally benign with an indolent pathologic course but may display a variety of acute or chronic clinical behaviors, depending on their anatomic location. Only a handful of spinal EVNs have been described in the literature, often in the form of individual case reports or small case series. Discussion includes a review of the literature and an overview of the clinical, pathologic, and radiologic features of this rare tumor type, as well as the differential diagnosis, treatment options, and general prognosis.

Keywords: Extraventricular neurocytoma; Gross total resection; Spinal neurocytoma.