Which of the following statements are true?

D. Extradural neoplasms are usually malignant.

E. A hemangioblastoma is a benign intramedullary tumor that has the potential for surgical cure.

DISCUSSION: Extradural neoplasms are usually malignant, the most common type being a metastasis to a vertebra from a primary carcinoma elsewhere in the body. A meningioma is an extramedullary tumor arising from the meninges surrounding the spinal cord rather from within the cord itself. Most intradural extramedullary neoplasms are benign tumors (meningiomas, neurofibromas, schwannomas) that are treated by surgical excision without postoperative radiotherapy.

Despite its name, the hemangioblastoma is a benign tumor. It typically arises within the spinal cord and can be cured if it is completely removed surgically.