Tumors of the cauda

The Cauda equina' (Latin horse's tail) are the nerve roots running through the spinal canal in its lower part from the end of the spinal cord (located at the level of the L1-L2 vertebrae) to the exit intervertebral foramen.

Tumors of the cauda

 * ependymoma - from the filum terminale
 * neurinoma - from some spinal root of the cauda

Tumors of the cauda "oppress" the surrounding roots, which manifests itself in the formation of "cauda syndrome"''. Diagnosis of ependymoma relies on images from MRI. For neurinoma, we mainly use CT and perimyelography (imaging the spinal sac of the dura mater with positive contrast). The treatment of choice for both tumors is radical 'surgical removal.