Yokota N, Kuribayashi T, Nagamine M, Tanaka M, Matsukura S, Wakisaka S
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki Medical College, Japan.
J Neurosurg. 1989 Sep;71(3):446-8. doi: 10.3171/jns.1989.71.3.0446.
A brown tumor is a secondary disorder of bone associated with hyperparathyroidism that arises predominantly in the metacarpals, phalanges, jaw, pelvis, or femur. Rarely does this tumor involve the spine. The authors describe a case of brown tumor in primary hyperparathyroidism, causing spinal cord compression. The first step in diagnosing this lesion in an unusual site is a high index of suspicion. Essentially, this tumor is benign but emergency surgery for tumor removal is recommended in patients showing acute spinal cord compression.
