Primary spinal dorsal extramedullary germ cell tumor: A rare case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Primary spinal extramedullary germ cell tumor are very rare. Germ cell tumor are similar histologically to germ cells of genital organs and may arise rarely from central and peripheral nervous system. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of 20-year-old male who presented with progressive lower extremity weakness, spasticity, and numbness of legs. Patient was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging dorsal spine which revealed extramedullary mass in dorsal (D2-D3) level with severe cord compression. Tumor was found to be extramedullary with histopathology consistent with germ cell tumor. Patient was given radiotherapy and chemotherapy postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Primary spinal extramedullary germ cell tumors are very rare and are very sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy. Various management and treatment protocols are available across institutions in the world. We recommend adequate decompression of cord with biopsy followed by local radiation and chemotherapy. As these are rare tumors, presenting with significant neurological deficits should always be kept in the differential diagnosis.