Primary Spinal Tumors and Masses in Children

OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord tumors are rare in children, mostly presented with unspecific symptoms that might pose a problem due to their possible malignancy and further complications. However, there are limited data on spinal cord lesions in Iran. This study aimed to present a series of 37 cases of primary spinal tumors treated at the same institution and briefly review their pathology, symptoms, and site of occurrence. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this study, 37 cases of spinal cord tumors and masses were selected within March 2007-2017, excluding spinal dysraphism. The data on age, gender, clinical presentation, location of the mass, and pathology were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 5 years and 8 months (standard deviation: 4.1 years). Moreover, 21 and 16 cases were male and female, respectively (male-to-female ratio: 1.31). Pathological findings included 9 neuroepitheliomas (i.e., 6 neuroblastoma, 2 ganglioneuroma, and 1 ganglioneuroblastoma/ganglioneuroma), 4 ependymomas, 3 primitive neuroectodermal tumors, 3 glial tumors, 4 neurodevelopmental tumors, 3 lymphomas, 1 hemangiopericytoma, and 1 neurofibroma. In addition, 26 (74.2%), 14 (40%), 6 (16.6%), and 4 (11.4%) patients had motor symptoms, pain, sensory symptoms, and urinary symptoms, respectively. The most common location of occurrence was the lumbosacral region. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, while differing in pathological composition and location of tumors in comparison to other papers, this study presents possible presentations and/or expected pathologies in pediatric spinal cord tumors.