A hemangioma is a growth composed of large blood vessels that can develop on almost any region of the body, including the skin, internal organs or bones, such as the vertebrae. Vertebrae are the small bones that sit atop one another to form the spinal cord. Typically, hemangiomas that form on the vertebrae are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Patients who experience symptoms of back pain, leg numbness or paralysis due to a hemangioma of the vertebrae should discuss treatment options with a doctor.
Pain Management
Due to the risky nature of spinal surgery, a doctor may first recommend pain management as a treatment option for a spinal hemangioma. Patients can utilize a number of different pain therapies, including medication, epidural injections or acupuncture. These non-surgical treatment options can help reduce or alleviate painful back symptoms caused by a spinal tumor. If a patient is unable to control back pain utilizing these treatments, a doctor may recommend more invasive treatment options.
Surgery
A doctor may suggest spine surgery to remove the hemangioma from the vertebra, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis reports. If the hemangioma is large, a portion of the vertebra may also be removed by the surgeon during surgery. Hemangioma removal can help eliminate pressure along the spinal cord and column, which may alleviate uncomfortable back pain symptoms. There are complications associated with spine surgery, including blood clots, bleeding, infection or nerve injury problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, which a patient should discuss with a doctor prior to surgery.
Embolization
Embolization is a surgical treatment for a hemangioma of the vertebra that involves cutting off blood supply to the tumor. In the absence of adequate blood flow, the hemangioma will either stop growing or may begin to shrink. This type of treatment may be paired with surgical removal of the hemangioma, depending upon the location and size of the tumor.
Radiation
Patients with a hemangioma of the vertebra may experience relief from painful back symptoms after receiving radiation therapy. This type of treatment involves applying high-energy x-rays directly to the site of the tumor. These x-rays destroy the hemangioma cells, which can stop tumor progression or can cause the tumor to decrease in size. Side effects are associated with radiation, such as fatigue or skin changes, which patients should discuss with a doctor before choosing this method of treatment for a spine hemangioma.
