Abstract
A retrospective study of 8 patients with cauda equina tumors is presented. Clinically, initial features of these tumors were quite similar to lumbar disc lesions, and the most common symptom was pain (low back pain and/or leg pain). 3 patients complained of pain without neurological deficits before the operation, and the average duration of this symptom was 32 months; another 5 patients had both pain and neurological deficits, and the duration was 10.5 months. The correct diagnosis was confirmed by myelography or MRI. All patients were treated by laminectomy and excision of the tumor, and they all recovered completely. A histological examination was performed in all cases, and all of them were neurinoma. It is important to diagnose these tumors before irreversible damage occurs. Symptpoms and signs relating to the tumors are as follows; pain which does not respond to conservative treatments, nocturnal pain, absence or diminution of deep tendon reflexes of the legs, bilateral limited SLR, sensory change of perineum, bladder disfunction, or muscle weakness.
