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Updated: May 31, 2026
Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
Probably the oldest patient with the diagnosis of medullar conus teratoma
Background:
Authors present a case report of a 60 year old patient suffering from several movement and sensitivity disorders lasting for several months. On magnetic resonance scans a huge extramedular intradural structure was described. Patient underwent three operations and the same number of histological investigations. Furthermore we have performed bacteriological investigations because of the presence of suspicious pus during the surgery.
Results:
Even after the third investigation the evidence of mature teratoma has been established. After successful passing of three surgeries, the patient has no sphincter disorders and she is able to walk with the sticks and she has only small sensitivity deterioration.
Conclusion:
All forms of teratoma are chemo- and radioresistent, so beside total extirpation we have no relevant possibilities to cure this tumour. The size of the extirpation is mostly limited by the time of appearance, the size of the tumour and by the potential damages of the normal spinal cord tissue, which could be protected by using neurophysiology (Fig. 3, Ref. 9).
Insights
This case report details a mature teratoma in a 60-year-old patient, successfully treated with surgery. Complete surgical extirpation is crucial for treating this chemo- and radioresistant spinal tumor.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- A 60-year-old patient presented with persistent movement and sensitivity disorders.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large extramedullary intradural mass.
- The patient underwent multiple surgical interventions and investigations.
Observation:
- Suspicious pus was noted during surgery, prompting bacteriological analysis.
- Histological examination confirmed the presence of a mature teratoma.
- Despite multiple procedures, the teratoma diagnosis persisted.
Findings:
- The patient underwent three successful surgeries for the spinal tumor.
- Post-surgery, the patient regained mobility, using sticks to walk.
- Minor sensory deficits and absence of sphincter disorders were noted.
Implications:
- Mature teratomas are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Complete surgical extirpation is the primary treatment modality.
- Surgical extent is limited by tumor size, duration, and potential spinal cord damage; neurophysiological monitoring is vital.
