Spinal Extradural Solitary Fibrous Tumor Arising at the Level of T12 Vertebra: A Rare and Challenging Diagnosis

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are uncommon mesenchymal neoplasms that rarely involve the central nervous system (CNS). Their extradural occurrence in the spinal region is exceptionally rare and often mimics more common lesions such as nerve sheath tumors, posing a diagnostic challenge. A case is presented of a young female patient with a gradually progressive swelling in the lower back associated with bilateral lower limb pain. Initial radiological findings suggested a benign neural lesion. Advanced imaging revealed an extradural mass arising from the thoracic spine with features suggestive of a nerve sheath tumor. The mass was surgically excised in its entirety, and subsequent histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a solitary fibrous tumor. No adjuvant therapy was required, and the patient remained disease-free on short-term follow-up. This case underscores the importance of considering SFTs in the differential diagnosis of spinal lesions and highlights the role of surgical excision and histopathological confirmation in management.