Spinal Hemangioma

[johnston]

I have been diagnosed with a benign vertebral hemangioma on C7 that is 7mm. I have sharp throbbing pain that starts between my shoulder blades and shoots into both arms. I have been to an oncologist, and a neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon said to do nothing but "watch" it, and repeat the MRI in 6 months. I wouldn't be opposed to that, except that I have so much pain.  It is becoming unbearable and I have been on high doses of hydrocodone for the last 5 weeks.

In order to diagnose this, I have undergone a CT Scan, Bone Scan, and MRI.  

I have researched hemangioma extensively and have yet to find anything about this type of tumor being located in the cervical vertebrae.

What is the typical treatment for this?  Although this tumor seems small, I believe it is the cause for the pain.  Do you also believe that something so small could cause so much pain?  I have been getting nowhere with the doctors in my area and am ready to go over 400 miles away to get help.  Do you think this is necessary or should I just give up and hope the pain subsides in the next six months?

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am losing patience.

Thanks,

JJ

[MEL55]

I have a question about the hemangioma. I have one in the T9-10 area. I was told there was no reason to worry about it. Is there some specific problem from this. I so have pain in the area all the time. Thanks, MEL55

[mnguy]

I actually had surgery twice. The first surgery was a laminectomy (T2-T4) in 1998, performed to decompress the spinal cord. The hemangioma had been in T3, and the surgery was followed by a vertebroplasty(sp?) where the voids left in the vertebra were injected with a plastic, so it wouldn't collapse.
The hemangioma continued to grow, though, and the surgery was repeated in 2001. The intent had been to remove the vertebra and reconstruct it. That wasn't possible due to complications, so they did further decompression of the spinal cord and followed that with radiation treatments. Latest MRI showed no change since the surgery, which was very good news.
The waiting wasn't very long either time. At the time of my first surgery, I was deteriorating rapidly, so the surgeons did whatever they could to get me on their schedule. Fortunately there are a number of excellent neurosurgeons in the Minneapolis area.
I wish you the best.

[mnguy]

I have a vertebral hemangioma, but a bit lower, T3. I was a bit more fortunate, in that it wasn't causing pain, but numbness. It began in my toes and progressed up my legs, into the abdominal area. It's amazing how it can zap your strength. By the time I had surgery, I could barely walk. The surgery however, has been successful - there is residual numbness in my toes, but that's about all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Good luck!

[johnston]

mnguy:

What type of surgery did you have?  Was it a long process to get to the point of surgery?  I feel like I have been getting the run around from all my doctors, and I live in an area that doesn't have the best doctors.  (We only have 2 neurosurgeons total!)

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

JJ

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Vertebral hemangiomas are benign lesions of the spine. The thoracic and lumbar regions are the most common locations for these lesions, however they can be found within the cervical spine. In order for this lesion to cause your pain there usually is a compression fracture associated with it, or there is compression on the spinal cord. If you are questioning the diagnosis and treatment plan, then I think it is a good idea to get a second opinion. I would recommend being seen at a Spine Center, such as the one at the Cleveland Clinic, for a second opinion.