should i be concern about the hemangiomas in my thoracic spine i have a few of them

Dear Anon,

Thank you for visiting the EmpowHER community and for sharing your question about spinal hemangiomas.

Spinal hemangiomas are benign tumors that are most commonly seen in the mid-back (thoracic) and lower back (lumbar). Hemangiomas most often appear in people between the ages of 30 and 50. They are very common and occur in approximately 10 percent of the world’s population. Most cases show no symptoms. Symptomatic hemangiomas represent less than one percent of all hemangiomas, and are more common in women than in men. Depending on the condition of the hemangioma, if left untreated, symptomatic hemangiomas can cause serious neurological effects.

Treatments for hemangiomas include surgical removal (resection) of the tumor or the affected vertebra, and radiation therapy to treat pain. Ethanol injections and laminectomy may also be performed.

To answer your concerns about whether or not to be concerned- that will depend on how severe the symptoms are and what the neurologic effects are. Management of this condition must take into account the generous blood supply of the tumor.

Anon, what has your doctor said about them? Is he or she concerned and talked with you about treatment options?

Let us know.

Best,

Kristin