Magnetic resonance findings are described in a patient with spinal lymphoma using a high field strength magnet and surface coil technique. Using this noninvasive technique, it was possible to visualize both tumor growth and extent in the spinal canal. The infiltration into the canal through a neural foramen and into bone was also visualized as well as the extent of the paraspinal tumor component. None of the currently used imaging modalities--myelography, plain radiography, CT, or radioisotope studies--could provide the same information alone.