Intradural Extramedullary tumors

These tumors are usually one of two kinds of benign tumors, schwannomas and meningiomas. Spinal cord compression can result in a number of debilitating symptoms and, if left untreated, permanent nerve damage.

Typical symptoms you may experience if you are suffering from an intradural extramedullary tumor include back or neck pain that grows increasingly worse, a loss of sensation and muscle control in your arms and legs, loss of bodily functions, weakness in the legs and other issues that greatly affect how you live your life. Even if the tumor is not cancerous, the spinal cord compression can still ultimately result in death if no treatment is acquired.

What are Intradural extramedullary tumors?

Intradural extramedullary tumors are just one of several types of spinal cord tumors. Spinal cord tumors can be either extradural or intradural; extradural tumors exist outside of the dura mater, the thin membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord, while intradural tumors exist inside of it.

Intradural tumors are usually primary tumors, meaning they develop in a certain location and stay there. Because their exact location can vary, they are further divided into two categories: intradural extramedullary and intradural intramedullary.

Intradural extramedullary tumors are located inside the dura, but outside of the spinal cord. They might develop from nerve roots or from the inside surface of the dura mater. Meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors make up the majority of intradural extramedullary tumors. Both kinds of tumors are usually benign.