Question
I have been told by my orthopedic Dr my mri shows hernation of the c5 and c6 and i have a large hemanganomas on the c7. My question is does this require surgery?

Answer
Hi Tammie,
Thanks so much for reaching out to me. I just received your e-mail today through all experts. I know that this matter deeply concerns you and my heart goes out to you.  Hemangiomas are non cancerous over growths of vascular(blood vessels)tissue. Tammie, less than 1% of all hemangiomas are even symptomatic and yet they appear in approximately 11% of the population, predominantly in the lower part of the spine. When hemangiomas are problematic it's usually because they cause compression fractures of the vertebrae and/or because they place pressure on the spinal cord or the neighboring nerves.  What I don't know is anything about your symptoms, and of course I don't know if your hemangioma is even causing you symptoms. This makes it impossible for me to tell you if you require surgery.  However, in cases of problematic hemangiomas there are a few options for treatment when indicated. The options, which are controversial include:
1.Embolization
2.Radiotherapy
3.Surgical Resection removal)

I hope this gives you some insight. I recommend that you discuss this matter fully with your orthopedic doctor and if possible get two more opinions.

Tammie, I would appreciate it if you could please take a moment out to rate my answer and consider to rate me expert of the month.

Good Luck Tammie,

Dr. Ron Nusbaum
www.backclinicsofcanada.ca