Journal of Tumour Research & Reports

Abstract

Functional Tolerance of the Cervical Cord in Giant Ependymoma

Hernando Rafael

Author reports to a 42-year-old man who suffered motor impairment in his limbs since 17- years of age, and five years later he presented central pain. In August 2011, a preoperative MRI scans showed syringobulbia and a giant intramedullary tumor, which occupied 70% of the cervical cord. The neoplasm was surgically removed and the histological study was recognized as cellular ependymoma. At present, 56 months after surgery the patient can walk with or without assistance and persists with central pain. This patient confirms previous observations that in dyscomplete transection there are axons in function and that could improve after a decompression or revascularization. Moreover, this patient confirms that there is a huge tolerance of the spinal cord to chronic injuries.