What Are the Treatments for a Vertebral Hemangioma?

A tumor composed of dilated blood vessels that grows along the bones in the spinal cord is a condition called a vertebral or spinal hemangioma. People with this type of spinal tumor typically don't experience symptoms, especially when the hemangioma is small. If the tumor grows larger, patients can begin to experience debilitating symptoms, such as chronic back pain or paralysis. Patients who develop such symptoms should talk with a doctor regarding the treatment for a vertebral hemangioma.

Alleviation of Pain

Initially, a physician may recommend various types of pain management to help alleviate discomfort. This type of treatment for a vertebral hemangioma is the least invasive and can involve a combination of therapies, including acupuncture, pain medication or corticosteroid injections, according to Back.com. If these forms of treatment are ineffective, patients should talk with a doctor about more invasive forms of vertebral hemangioma treatment.

Radiation Therapy

Symptoms of Lumbar Hemangioma

Learn More

Radiation therapy can be used to treat a vertebral hemangioma, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center reports. During treatment, a radiologist applies external high-energy x-rays directly to the location of the vertebral hemangioma. The radiation x-rays destroy the cells in the spinal tumor, preventing the hemangioma from advancing. Radiation therapy can also cause the tumor to shrink in size, which can help alleviate back pain symptoms in treated patients. Patients should discuss the side effects and complications of radiation therapy with a medical professional before undergoing this type of treatment for a vertebral hemangioma.

Surgical Removal of Hemangioma

Surgical removal of the tumor is a potential treatment option for a vertebral hemangioma. The extent of spinal surgery, also called surgical resection, depends upon the size of the hemangioma, according to Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Large hemangiomas may require a surgeon to also remove portions of the affected vertebra during surgery. Removing the spinal tumor decreases the amount of pressure placed on the spinal cord, which diminishes or eliminates back pain or discomfort. Spinal surgery is a major procedure and can result in certain complications, such as spinal cord injury, blood clots or infection, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Patients should discuss the risks of this form of vertebral hemangioma treatment with a physician prior to surgery.

Embolization

Complications of Lumbar Laminectomy

Learn More

Another form of surgical treatment for a vertebral hemangioma is called embolization. During this procedure, a surgeon ties off the blood vessel that supplies blood to the hemangioma. Cutting off blood flow to the spinal tumor causes it to either decrease in size or stop advancing. Alternatively, a surgeon may perform this type of treatment prior to removing the hemangioma from the vertebra, according to BoneTumor.org.