Abstract

This case report describes a paraganglioma of the cauda equina in a 63 year old woman. Very few examples of paraganglioma have been recorded in this site. Histologically these neoplasms may have considerable similarity with ependymoma, the most common neoplasm of the lower spinal cord, and the diagnosis can be easily missed unless special techniques are employed. The clinical and pathological data obtained from this and the other reported examples suggests that paragangliomas of the cauda equina are benign, slowly growing neoplasms. In contrast to ependymomas and to paragangliomas elsewhere, they are well circumscribed, amenable to complete resection and have an excellent prognosis.