Primary intramedullary spinal cord germinoma: diagnostic challenge and treatment strategy

Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2009 Mar;49(3):128-33. doi: 10.2176/nmc.49.128.

Abstract

Two patients presented with primary intramedullary spinal cord germinoma (PISCG). Neither diagnosis was correct at initial evaluation, and both underwent surgical verification of the tumor. Based on the histological diagnosis, both patients were treated successfully by combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These cases illustrate the unexpected occurrence of PISCG and treatment strategy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Germinoma / diagnosis*
  • Germinoma / drug therapy
  • Germinoma / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Paraplegia / etiology
  • Radiotherapy / methods
  • Sensation Disorders / etiology
  • Spinal Cord / drug effects
  • Spinal Cord / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord / radiation effects
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Incontinence / etiology
  • Young Adult