Giant Lumbar Disc Herniation Mimicking Spinal Tumor: A Case Report

Giant lumbar disc herniation (GLDH) is common among adults aged 23-56 years who spend a significant amount of time seated or standing with heavy workloads. This case report discusses a 50-year-old male waiter with GLDH, leading to nerve root compression with neurological impairment. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings showed a differential diagnosis of GLDH and an epidural mass lesion. A follow-up MRI with contrast was performed to rule out more serious conditions, but it showed peripheral enhancement of the expansive process. The patient underwent surgical excision to alleviate symptoms and improve function. The diagnosis of GLDH can be difficult. The clinical presentation is hard to distinguish from other causes of lumbar canal stenosis, such as synovial cysts, epidural hematomas, metastases, and tumors.