Introduction: Primary tumors of the spinal cord, spinal meninges and cauda equina are rare lesions and epidemiological studies about these tumors are seldomly reported. Reported incidence rates are 0.22 per 100,000 for malignant, 0.76 per 100,000 for non-malignant primary tumors. Both malignant and non-malignant spinal pathologies cause serious burden such as paralysis, urinary and defecation problems.
Methods: Clinical, radiological and pathological information of patients operated in our clinic between January 2009 and August 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Intraoperative imaging (magnetic resonance and/or ultrasound) and neuromonitorisation were used in the operations.
Results: Total 74 patients were operated in our clinic. Male to female ratio was 1:1. Range of age was 10-71 years (mean: 44,44 years). Prevalance of lesion origin in descending order of frequency was thoracic (33 cases), lumbar (29 cases) and cervical (12 cases) spine. The most common presenting symptom was pain. Twenty two of the cases were containing intramedullary located lesions. The most common pathology in our series was schwannoma distrubuted equally in males and females which was contrary to the literature. Some neurological deficits developed in 5 patients after operation (urinary retention, neuropathic pain, loss of proprioception).
Conclusions: Epidemiology studies are rare for primary spinal intradural tumors. These studies will give us useful information about nature of pathology and treatment approaches. Distribution of percentages in our study is different from other similar studies conducted in abroad, which will direct the surgical treatment modality differently.
Patient Care: This manuscript will enhance surgical approaches to primary intradural tumors and add epidemiological data about the topic.
Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 1)learn about surgical management according to tumor type 2)discuss epidemiological aspecsts of primary spinal intradural tumors.