Results following the surgical treatment of tumors of the spinal cord depend on the duration of symptoms and on the position, level and type of tumor. The histories vary but are suggestive and give the first clue to the diagnosis. The onset of symptoms is gradual; sensory disturbance is usually the first, that is, paresthesia or anesthesia, accompanied by motor disturbances. The condition may improve temporarily; but the symptoms gradually progress to a loss of sensibility and motor function, in conjunction with exaggerated reflexes below the cord segment involved.
About thirty-five years have elapsed since the first tumor of the spinal cord was removed by Horsley. During this short time, many tumors of the spinal cord have been removed; but many have also been overlooked because a definite level of loss of motor power and sensibility was not present or the exact history of motor or sensory loss that was