Paraspinal nerve sheath tumors

Abstract

Spinal tumors compose a vast heterogeneous group of neoplasms that are classified by origin into vertebral column, spinal canal, or paraspinal region tumors. Tumors with both intraspinal (intracanalicular) and paraspinal (extracanalicular) components that communicate via an intravertebral foramen are defined as "dumbbell tumors." This article focuses on the characteristics of a few types of paraspinal tumors, with special emphasis on the management of nerve sheath dumbbell tumors.