Primary intraspinal neoplasms in Rochester, Minnesota, 1935- 1981

Incidence rates were calculated for primary intraspinal neoplasms for the resident population of Rochester, Minn., for the 47-year period, 1935 through 1981, with particular attention to whether the initial diagnosis was made before death or at autopsy. During the study period, 26 tumors were identified. Among these, 10 (38%) were first detected at autopsy. The average annual incidence rate based on cases diagnosed before death is 0.9/100,000; the rate based on all cases, including those diagnosed at autopsy, is 1.4/100,000 population. The rate is higher in males, but small numbers preclude a significance statement. When incidence rates of primary intraspinal neoplasms are compared with those of primary intracranial neoplasms before death, a ratio of nearly 15:1 is found for the period 1950-1981.