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Spinal hemangioma is a small change in blood vessels. Locating themselves in a circle. Usually with no symptoms. We learn about them on the occasion of other studies. However, if we are dealing with very aggressive lesions, then the hemangioma of the spine will be manifested by back pain. How should spinal hemangiomas be treated? Are these dangerous changes for our health?
Spinal hemangioma – what is it?
We call hemangiomas – benign changes in blood vessels, skin or internal organs. They can appear alone or in clusters. They most often appear for genetic reasons, and if they occur in members of our family, they can also be found in us. Hemangiomas are usually not serious, and this is also the case with spinal hemangioma. Spinal hemangioma is a benign tumor of the spine and is caused by the growth of blood vessels in the body of the spine. Wherever a tumor appears, bone tissue is lost. Changes in the spine related to hemangioma are difficult to detect as they usually do not give symptoms. The detection of this hemangioma is usually accidental during tests performed for another reason. With hemangioma of the spine, most people live for years, unconsciously, without any symptoms. In most cases, this cancer does not require treatment.
Spinal hemangioma – types
Spinal hemangiomas are usually asymptomatic, and in a minority of cases patients complain of pain depending on the location of the hemangioma. Pain occurs when the spinal canal is narrowed and there is pressure on the spinal cord.
Due to the location of the hemangioma, there are several types of them:
- cervical spine hemangioma,
- angioma of the thoracic spine,
- hemangioma of the lumbar spine.
Most often, hemangiomas occur in the thoracic section, in as many as 60% of patients, then in the lumbar section, in 30% of patients, and the least frequently in the cervical section. Spinal hemangiomas can be non-aggressive and aggressive. The latter develop quickly, cause unpleasant symptoms and require medical attention.
Spinal hemangioma – causes of occurrence
The exact origin of spinal hemangiomas is not known to scientists, the exact cause of their occurrence cannot be determined. However, it is suspected that there may be genetic reasons and injuries to the spine. Bone structures in the body of the spine disappear due to the overgrowth of blood vessels and vascular junction.
How to treat a spinal hemangioma?
Most spinal hemangiomas are asymptomatic and are therefore not treated. Changes are detected accidentally during X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. Only hemangiomas require treatment, which are troublesome, i.e. they cause pain, numbness in the limbs, headaches, tingling in the limbs, dizziness, paresis. If the controlled hemangiomas begin to grow or the lesions are aggressive, the decision to treat is made by the neurosurgeon. He or she may recommend radiotherapy, endovascular embolization, vertebroplasty – popularly known as “cementing procedure”, or an operation to implant a metal plate that strengthens the shaft of the diseased vertebra.