[Extra-axial tumors of the central nervous system]

Extra-axial tumors are intracranial neoplasms but are not located within the brain parenchyma. The localization of intracranial neoplasms helps to narrow down the possible differential diagnoses and also plays a deciding role in the treatment strategy and the prognosis. For this reason exact localization of these lesions is extremely important. Extra-axial tumors are the most common neoplasms among adults. They can be divided in a broad spectrum of histopathological subgroups. The most common extra-axial tumors are meningiomas, which arise from the dura mater. In the vast majority of cases they are benign and slowly growing. Only a few rare subgroups show aggressive behavior.