What does the hemangioma in an MRI report depict?

Question

Hi doctor,

I visited a doctor recently, and they said I have a herniated disk and a tear. They said the first MRI showed something they were worried about and suggested it could have been a bone tumor. They made me repeat the MRI with contrast yesterday. The doctor I visited will not call me back until next week. I want to know if you see anything abnormal on the second MRI with contrast. And, also I am looking for a clarification of the hemangioma noted on the first MRI.

Please give me your opinion.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern. I reviewed your MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) report, and there is a disc protrusion at L5 -S1 (lumbosacral joint) (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). For this, we need to differentiate between the two MRI films. Since you are young, around 21 years, and since I have not seen the film and based on the MRI written reports, I suggest you to take bed rest. It is best if you avoid sleeping on a mattress and you need to sleep on the floor without a mattress. And taking some muscle relaxants will help you relieve the pain. Regarding hemangioma, it seems to be small, based on the report. Also, I need you to answer a few questions for better understanding,

1. What made you get an MRI done?

2. Do you have any low back pain?

3. If yes, is the pain unbearable?

4. For how long do you have this pain?

5. Do you have tingling and numbness in your lower limbs?

6. Are you taking any medications?

If you are comfortable sharing images of the MRI, it will be helpful in further diagnosis.

Kindly follow up with the answers.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I viewed the images shared by you (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). My opinion from the MRI reports is you have disc herniation at levels L5- S1 (lumbosacral joint). Since you are young and you have had low back pain, tingling, and numbness in recent days. I suggest you take bed rest for two months with some medications. If medical management fails, and your low back pain worsens, difficulty in walking, like dragging your foot to walk, which disturbs your daily activities, in that case, you might require surgical intervention. So I share my opinion from your reports.

1. Regarding the disc tear, bed rest is the only option.

2. Regarding bone tumors, from the MRI images shared, I could not clearly identify them. And as the report mentions to rule out bone tumors, you might require a CT (computed tomography) scan, and an MRI only detects soft tissues. But on the other hand, a CT scan detects bone-related issues promptly.

3. Regarding hemangioma, the size is small to intervene from the surgical side. If it is not bothering you, we can just let it be. If your back is still hurting, that could be due to disc herniation. So I suggest you to consult a specialist, talk to them and take medications with their consent. Also, I have a few more suggestions,

1. Take bed rest. It is mandatory.

2. Try to sleep on a wooden bed. There should not be any mattresses. Your spine should be straight while sleeping.

3. Avoid sleeping on a mattress.

4. Do not lift heavy objects or weights.

5. Do not bend and work.

6. Try to turn to one side and get up from the bed.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Take care.