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Intramedullary spinal cord germinoma: case report.
S Matsuoka1, M Itoh, T Shinonome
1Department of Neurosurgery, Shimonoseki Municipal Central Hospital, Yamaguchi, Japan.
Surgical Neurology
|February 1, 1991
Summary
A rare spinal cord germinoma in the conus medullaris caused low back pain. Irradiation effectively reduced the tumor size and relieved symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Spinal cord tumors
- Germ cell tumors
Background:
- Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are rare, with germ cell tumors being an even rarer subtype.
- Germinomas typically occur in the suprasellar region or pineal gland, with spinal cord involvement being exceptional.
Observation:
- A case of intramedullary spinal cord germinoma located within the conus medullaris is presented.
- The patient experienced symptoms of lumbago and lower extremity pain.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed via biopsy of the intramedullary spinal cord germinoma.
- Treatment with local irradiation (50 Gy) resulted in significant tumor size reduction.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of intramedullary spinal cord germinomas presenting in the conus medullaris.
- Successful management with radiotherapy suggests it as a viable treatment option for such rare spinal tumors.