Back Pain Forum - hemangioma removal

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Q: hemangioma removal

asked by: DoctorQuestion on April 9th, 2009

Hello,

I recently had an MRI done and this is what the report stated:
"Multiple sequences were obtained through the thoracic spine. There are diffuse, slight degenerative changes throught the thoracic spine which include moderate anterior disc bulges at T8-T9 and T9-T10. No posterior disc protrusion or cord/nerve root impingement is seen. Normal signal is noted within the cord. A small hemangioma is incidentally seen in the T8 vertebral body. No destructive bony lesion is evident."

I know that a hemangioma is a benign tumor but should I look into having it removed? Is it possible for it to turn malignant? Also, are the disc bulges noted indicating that I have 2 herniated discs? If so, is surgery the best option or not? And what's the recovery time?

I had a lumbar lamenectomy in 2002 due to herniated disc in L4-L5 region and am concerned that I have degenerative disc disease possibly.

Thanks in advance for answering my question.

Kimberly

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on April 13th, 2009

Back Pain Answer A6310

Hemangioma is a benign tumor formed of blood or lymph vessels. According to the data you reported, you might want to consult with neurosurgeon if the benefit from removing the hemangioma is bigger then the risk from surgery.
Every benign tumor, including hemangioma has its own potential to become malignant.
The part of the result which says that you have two moderate anterior disc bulges might actually mean that you have two herniated discs. The location (anterior) means that the possibility for putting pressure on nerves is smaller since the nerves leave the spinal cord from the posterior of the spinal column. However, the final evaluation should be made by neurosurgeon based on the pictures from the MRI instead only on the written report.

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