Thoracic hemangioma is a big medical term for a benign spinal tumor. These growths near the spine are not as dangerous as malignant spinal tumors, but they should be treated anyway, as they can seriously interfere with the nerves and other structures in the spine. In this article, we will discuss thoracic hemangioma – what exactly they are, how to identify them, and how to proceed with treating the condition.

What is Thoracic Hemangioma?

Thoracic hemangiomas are benign spinal tumors that most often impact adults aged 30 to 50. They occur in roughly 10 percent of the world’s adults, and are considered quite common as a result.

Signs of Thoracic Hemangioma

The first step in treating a hemangioma is successful identification and diagnosis. Here are a few signs that might indicate a diagnosis of thoracic hemangioma:

• Pain in the mid to low back
• Pain or numbness in the extremities (caused by a nerve compression)

If you experience these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to diagnose the condition. Your physician will likely perform a physical exam and order one of more imaging tests to better visualize the hemangioma.

How to Treat Spinal Hemangioma

As we mentioned above, thoracic hemangioma are benign tumors – meaning they are not usually inherently harmful. However, because they develop and grow so close to the spine, they have the potential to interfere with the spinal nerves, discs, and other structures. This can, in turn, result in immense pain and loss of feeling. Treating hemangiomas can involve injections, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Surgical removal of the tumors is typically the best and most efficient method for long-term care.

If you recognize any of the symptoms of thoracic hemangioma in yourself, or if you have been diagnosed with the condition, speak to a spine specialist to discuss your options for treatment.

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