Hemanginoma at T8, herniated disc at L5-S1

[Jack54]

I had an MRI just 4 days ago. I have a tumor at T8. The tech was very friendly and went over the pictures on a computer monitor with me. I only saw one view of this tumor. It was a picture of the side view of my total spine. I did not see any of the slices at T8, because he distracted me with views of the L5-S1 disc.

The tumor was so perfectly round that it looked like someone was playing a trick on me, using a rubber ball. I know nothing of the size, except from the side view it covered my entire spine. I could not tell if it was to the left, right or in the center of my spine. I know that it is not in front of, or behind my spine.

He said it was a hemanginoma, but I have found out that there are 3 types of "dumbbell" shaped tumors. They are called this because they are shaped perfectly round like the old dumbbells.

Obviously I have not got to talk to my rheumatologist yet for the follow up visit. I am in a lot of pain along my spine. Searing type pain in my lower back and not being able to feel my legs some times when I sit, brought on the MRI testing. I also have a lot of muscle and joint pain in my legs and back. I have also had peripheral neuropathy (PN) for about 5 years.

I have heart disease and 6 stents. I take a lot of heart meds that I thought was causing a lot of my pain, weakness and fatigue due to side affects. Now I wonder if this tumor, whatever type it is, is causing part of the pain and strange feelings. My bladder and bowels are also affected in a way that I cannot explain.

If anyone can help me out with some information, I would be so appreciative. Sorry for the book,

Jack

[Jack54]

Well, I am trying to get over the MRI. It was like laying in a bowl and actually aggravated the tumor/backache. The pain is getting worse day by day around T8, and I wake up after 5 hours of sleep, because of a backache. Then my muscles, bones and joints feel like I have been ran over.

Thanks so much for the information. I have heard or read that one can get a lot of pain relief from the surgery. I'm sure that there are risks also. I have already had so much radiation in that area from 11 cardiac catheterizations and a 64 slice coronary artery ct scan. Maybe more direct and designed radiation will help.

Thanks again,

Jack

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi Jack,

How are you?
Hemangiomas are benign tumors that can arise from the body of the vertebrae. They are very commonly found in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine.
They typically occur in mid life.
Generally they do not cause symptoms but sometimes they can cause pain especially if it is a large hemangioma involving the entire vertebra.
A large hemangioma can also compress the spinal nerve roots and can cause bladder and bowel problems.
The treatment options include radiation and surgical resection if the tumor is big and posing problems. Hope this helps!