Primary Malignant Lymphoma Presenting as an Isolated Epidural Mass

Abstract

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that occurs in the brain, spinal cord, leptomeninges, or eyes and typically remains confined to the central nervous system. Among them, malignant lymphoma presenting as a primary tumor of the spinal cord is extremely uncommon, and epidural mass formation is known to occur in only 0.8–2.8% of cases of malignant lymphomas. Furthermore, primary malignant lymphoma presenting as an isolated epidural mass is much rarer. Here, we report a case of primary malignant lymphoma of the thoracic spine presenting as an isolated epidural mass that did not involve the vertebral body or posterior element. Surgical decompression is essential to prevent further neurological deterioration. Here, we present a successful treatment strategy for this rare case.

Keywords

• lymphoma
• epidural mass
• spine