Few words need be said concerning the nosography of spinal tumors. Their classical symptoms are well known, as are also the changes in the spinal fluid. In the presence of tumors, the fluid may show a great quantity of protein, a low pressure quickly following the release of fluid, and, in cases of block, the absence of the normal movements in the fluid pressure, in respiration, heart action and the Queckenstedt test.
The cellular condition of the fluid may be said generally to be normal. It is on this point that our experience is, to a certain degree, different. For a long time, we have considered that three cells per cubic millimeter was the highest number that could be recognized as nonpathologic, but three may perhaps be regarded as being too high. We have based this opinion on general clinical experience, although this may even be regarded as an insufficient