Background: Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon peripheral nerve sheath tumors of Schwann cell origin that may occur throughout the body. However, they rarely occur in the spinal canal.
Case description: A 49-year-old male presented with burning sensation in the left knee. The MRI of the lumbar spine showed an L3-L4 intradural extramedullary tumor. Complete surgical resection was successfully performed and the L3 root burning improved. Histopathologically, the lesion proved to be a benign GCT.
Conclusion: Spinal GCTs are rare benign tumors that may be found in an intradural extramedullary location in the spine. The preferred treatment is complete surgical resection as subtotal/partial resection may result in recurrence warranting radiation therapy.
Keywords: Granular cell tumor; Intradural extramedullary; Intramedullary; Nerve sheath tumor; Spinal canal.
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