C-Spine Hemangioma

[Eryn81]

I recently had an MRI done (yearly follow up, dx in 2003).  They did my brain and c-spine and found no lesions on my spine but did fine a hemangioma.  Everything I've read is reassuring that it is fairly common and a benign tumor, but I am a worrier and a "need to know" person.  How can they be sure this is what it is from the MRI, is this what is causing my hands to go numb when I lay down or the pain in my neck?  

[Snugglepie]

I am in no way a medical expert, but just thought that id put in that when i was first diagnosed with MS way back when (28 yrs ago almost) it was a toss up between a brain tumor and MS.
The symptoms must be very similar for a neurologist to have doubts on original diagnosis and tests to have to carry out further tests.

I hope all goes well for you.

Cathie

[LisaJF]

I too, have thoracic hemangiomas and lumbar hemangiomas and from what I understand they are benign and intervention is only needed if they grow big enough to impinge on a nerve and cause symptoms.

I agree with PastorDan, that these are questions, valid questions mind you, for you to ask your doctor.  This way, you can be assured of the causes of your symptoms and/or omit them such as your hemangioma.

Welcome to the forums by the way.

Lisa

[PastorDan]

It's pretty much impossible to answer these questions online.  I think your concern is normal, but it sounds like you need assurance from your medical team, not from strangers with no medical credentials, who haven't even read the reports.

Talk to your doctor.  Tell him the things you've listed here.  Ask him to explain why he thinks it's not something about which to be concerned.   Let us know, if you can, what his reasoning seems to be.