Primary intramedullary spinal germ cell tumors

Background: Intramedullary spinal germ cell tumors are rare lesions, with germinomas being the most common variant. Methods: To date, there have been 23 reports of primary intramedullary germ cell tumors described in the literature, the vast majority occurring in Japanese patients. Results: We present a case of a nonmetastatic intramedullary germ cell tumor in a 28-year-old Caucasian woman. Conclusions: Characteristics of intramedullary germ cell tumors are summarized, and the current role for surgery and adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy are discussed.