Extraforaminal lumbar herniated disc mimicking foraminal tumor: Case report, literature review, and the role for minimally invasive approach for resection

We present such case and a review of similar cases in the scientific literature. A 71-year-old male who presented with back pain and right-side sciatic pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fusiform enhancing 3 cm × 2 cm lesion that was concerning for a nerve sheath tumor. A minimally invasive lateral trans-psoas approach was performed for a biopsy that revealed disc fragments and a full resection was performed. The patient's symptoms improved at follow-up. Although uncommon, extraforaminal disc herniations can be mistaken for peripheral nerve tumors on imaging. The spine surgeon should remain vigilant about these entities and plan the surgical treatment accordingly.
Source: Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research