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Cerebral haemangiopericytomas are rare tumours that resemble meningiomas but behave more aggressively, with a tendency to metastasize. We report two patients with haemangiopericytoma who had limited surgical resections owing to perioperative blood loss but who had massive tumour shrinkage after a course of radical radiotherapy. We suggest a more conservative surgical approach to the management of these tumours.

Spinal intramedullary metastases present with rapidly progressing neurological deficits and have an extremely poor prognosis. Prompt investigation and management are required. This case history illustrates that radiotherapy and steroids can be effective in returning motor function. The behaviour of the primary tumour and the stage of the disease influence whether surgery is appropriate.