Congenital spinal tumors arise from remnants of embryonic cells during fetal development. These tumors are most commonly located at the terminal portion of the spinal cord or the sacrococcygeal region. Patients often present with associated conditions, such as spina bifida, dermal sinuses, and tethered cord syndrome. Based on the embryonic cell composition, pathological types include epidermoid cysts, dermoid cysts, teratomas, enterogenous cysts, lipomas, among others.
Congenital spinal tumors are generally benign. In cases without significant symptoms or neurological deficits, symptomatic management, observation, and regular follow-up may be sufficient. When symptoms occur, surgical resection is indicated, aiming for complete tumor removal while preserving neurological function; this approach typically leads to a cure. If accompanied by tethered cord syndrome, simultaneous surgical detethering is performed, which generally results in favorable outcomes. In cases where complete tumor resection is not feasible, residual cyst walls may lead to recurrence, though recurrence tends to be slow. Recurrent tumors can be addressed with repeat surgical intervention.