Primary intramedullary spinal germ cell tumors.

Mehta, Vivek A; Kretzer, Ryan M; Orr, Brent; Jallo, George I · World Neurosurg · 2011

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Intramedullary spinal germ cell tumors are rare lesions, with germinomas being the most common variant. To date, there have been 23 reports of primary intramedullary germ cell tumors described in the literature, the vast majority occurring in Japanese patients. We present a case of a nonmetastatic intramedullary germ cell tumor in a 28-year-old Caucasian woman. Characteristics of intramedullary germ cell tumors are summarized, and the current role for surgery and adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy are discussed.

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