Which of the following statements about intraspinal dermoid and epidermoid tumors and lipomas are true?

A. They are benign lesions.

B. They can be found within the spinal subarachnoid space.

C. They can be found within the spinal cord.

D. They are most common in the lumbosacral area.

E. They are at times associated with spinal dysraphism. 

DISCUSSION: Intraspinal dermoid and epidermoid tumors and lipomas are benign lesions that can be found within the subarachnoid space or the spinal cord, or both. They are most common in the lumbosacral area. Dermoid and epidermoid tumors can be associated with spinal dysraphism and in particular with a dermal sinus tract that opens onto the back, usually in the lumbosacral region. Lipomas are also associated with spinal dysraphism, at times in the form of a lipomyelomeningocele with a tethered spinal cord.