[Spinal tumors in childhood and adolescence]

Spinal tumors are a rare tumor entity in children and adolescents, accounting for approximately 4-10% of all central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Based on their anatomical location, they are classified as intradural or extradural and intradural tumors are further subdivided into intramedullary and extramedullary lesions. The clinical symptoms are often nonspecific, with persistent back pain being the most common initial symptom. Neurological manifestations, including sensory and motor deficits, typically develop later in the course of the disease. The imaging modality of choice is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the entire spinal axis and when indicated the head. The various tumor entities exhibit characteristic imaging features that should be recognized as they are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.