Case Studies » Spinal Tumor

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A 35 yr old gentleman presented with progressive weakness of lower limbs and difficulty in walking.

His MRI showed a tumor in the lower part of the neck within the spinal cord. The tumor had a solid and a cystic component.

Contrast MRI showing the spinal cord tumor showing up brightly on contrast injection.

The patient was operated and the tumor was successfully removed completely. Following surgery, the patient developed mild left upper limb weakness which improved to normal after a week.

The tumor was benign (haemangioblastoma) and was completely excised. This should ensure that the patient will have a normal, productive life subsequently.

Intramedullary tumors (tumors that arise within the spinal cord) are amongst the most challenging of tumors to remove. The risk of neurological deterioration is high and some tumors are difficult to excise. Shown in the MRI pictures above is a tumor arising in the spinal cord in the neck (C3-4). The bright area is the solid part which is enhancing with contrast (white arrows) surrounded by a cystic part. This patient underwent gross total excision of the tumor at surgery and made a good recovery.

Post-operative contrast MRI at 1 year showing complete excision with postoperative changes. The tumor was benign (haemangioblastoma) and does not require any further therapy. The patient has returned to normal gainful employment.