When a herniated disc masquerades as a tumor: Latero-posterior epidural migration mimicking cauda equina neoplasm-A...

Herniated discs are often in contact with the intervertebral disc and are located in the intraspinal extradural space. However, in rare cases, disc fragments may migrate into the posterior epidural space or even become intradural, potentially leading to a misdiagnosis of spinal tumors. The authors report a novel case of lateral and posterior epidural migration of a lumbar disc herniation, which mimicked a cauda equina neoplasm. They also review the existing literature to provide insight into the distinction between a herniated disc and a spinal tumor. This case involves a previously healthy 43-year-old male patient who presented with progressive heaviness in both lower limbs and experienced an uneventful postoperative course.