Central neurocytoma of the cervical spinal cord

Immunohistochemically the tumour cells were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) but strongly positive for synaptophysin, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), and neuron specific enolase (NSE). In view of the benign histological appearances (unless there are malignant histological features or aggressive tumour behaviour making the diagnosis of central neurocytoma less likely) we think that postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy should be avoided, particularly in the younger age group with a still growing skeleton.