Clinical Characteristics and Long-term Outcomes of Spinal Pilocytic Astrocytomas: A Multicenter Retrospective Study by the Neurospinal Society of Japan.

Primary spinal PAs are rare and present as eccentric and intermixed cystic and solid intramedullary cervical tumors. The imaging features of spinal PAs are nonspecific, and a definitive diagnosis requires pathological support. Surgical resection with prevention of neurological deterioration can serve as the first-line treatment; however, the resection rate does not affect recurrence-free survival. Investigation of relevant molecular biomarkers is required to elucidate the regrowth risk and prognostic factors.