SPINAL CORD CANCER: SURGERY

Course overview

Spinal cord tumors are categorized as primary tumors (i.e., originating in the spinal cord) or metastases, with metastases occurring much more frequently than primary tumors. Spinal cord tumors are further categorized as intramedullary (i.e., within the cord parenchyma) or extramedullary (i.e., outside the parenchyma). Intramedullary tumors infiltrate and destroy spinal cord parenchyma. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of surgical treatment of spinal cord cancer, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.