Primary intramedullary melanocytoma of the spinal cord: case report.

Abstract

The authors report 2 cases of primary intramedullary spinal melanocytomas in 2 patients who presented with lower extremity numbness and/or weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, thoracic laminectomy, and histological examination revealed the diagnosis. Microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis revealed the diagnosis of primary melanocytoma. Melanocytomas of the spine are rare lesions without distinctive imaging characteristics and pose a preoperative diagnostic challenge. A review of the relevant literature and clinical behavior of this uncommon tumor entity is provided.