Abstract
A retrospective study of six patients with cauda equina tumors is presented. Initial symptoms among our paitents were leg pain or low back pain. Pain was the most prominent clinical manifestation. In spite of the patient's subjective complaint, few objective neurological defects were observed. It is often difficult to establish a diagnosis in the early phase. The features of cauda equina tumor pain differ from pain due to disc herniation. The correct diagnosis was confirmed by myelogram in two patients and by MRI in four patients. The average interval until MRI diagnosis was 4.5 months, while that until diagnosis by myelogram was 12.5 months. MRI was useful for diagnosing cauda equina tumor. The physician should suspect cauda equina tumor if the patient complains of progressing or non responsive leg or lumbar pain.
