neurologic disorders
Spinal Tumors
Introduction
Spinal tumors may develop within the spinal cord parenchyma, directly destroying tissue, or outside the cord parenchyma, often compressing the cord or nerve roots. Symptoms can include progressive back pain and neurologic deficits referable to the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. Diagnosis is by MRI. Treatment may include corticosteroids, surgical excision, and radiation therapy. (See also Overview of Spinal Cord Disorders .) Spinal tumors may be intramedullary (within the cord parenchyma) or extramedullary (outside the parenchyma). Spinal tumors may also be Primary: Originating in the spine) Secondary: Originating elsewhere in the body 