Upper cervical spinal cord tumors: review of 13 cases

Spinal cord tumors in the upper cervical region tend to progress as dumbbell tumors. As all the neurinomas had this shape (Eden type 2 or 3) at C1/2, this anatomy might favor progression to the extradural and extraforaminal spaces. However, it also allows total removal of the tumor via a posterior approach. To maintain postoperative cervical alignment, the surgeon should select the least invasive approach to the paraspinal muscles attached to the spinous process of C2.