Turkish Neurosurgery
2012 , Vol 22 , Num 4
Giant Intramedullary Epidermoid Extending from the Brain Stem to the Upper Thoracic Spinal Cord
Seth G.S. Medical College @ K.E.M. Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Mumbai, India
DOI :
10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.3096-10.2
Epidermoid cysts are benign tumors originating from ectoderm remnants. Most epidermoid cyst cases are intracranial. Spinal epidermoid
cysts are uncommon and most of the reported cases are in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Occurrence of intramedullary epidermoid cysts
in the cervical spine is extremely rare. An 18-year-old male with a giant intramedullary tumor extending from the brain stem to the upper
thoracic spinal cord presented at our outpatient department. The patient underwent total excision of a silvery white lesion through a midline
myelotomy. Histopathological examination was suggestive of an epidermoid cyst. We present a brief report of the case and discuss the
relevant literature.
Keywords :
Epidermoid, Intramedullary, Spinal cord