Non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma of a lumbar nerve root: a rare cause of lumbar radiculopathy.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the spinal nerve roots is rare. The presentation of nerve root lymphoma mimics other forms of radiculopathy. In vivo, nerve root lymphomas are difficult to differentiate from nerve sheath tumors by imaging studies. The nature of the tumor can be determined best by histological examination. Surgical removal of nerve root lymphomas commonly produces trauma to the nerve roots. Hence, we prefer to use surgical decompression of nerve roots rather than tumor enucleation. Here, we present a patient with a lumbar nerve root lymphoma to remind clinicians of the possibility of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in instances of lumbar radiculopathy.