Locally invasive giant spinal paraganglioma

Cauda equina paragangliomas are neuroendocrine tumours rarely encountered in neurosurgical practice. Large cauda equina paragangliomas with an intradural and extradural component, dense adhesion to nerve roots and high vascularity are surgically challenging and mandate meticulous operative dissection. The presence of extensive bony erosion can lead to spinal instability requiring solid instrumentation and fixation. We recommend resection of large cauda equina paragangliomas in a staged fashion with the aim of gross total resection and spinal stabilisation.