From the Research
An osseous hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor that develops in bone tissue, most commonly affecting the spine and skull, and is typically slow-growing and often discovered incidentally during imaging studies. These growths consist of abnormal blood vessels that form within the bone structure, and are usually asymptomatic, but can cause localized pain, swelling, or pathological fractures if they weaken the bone structure significantly 1. In the spine, larger hemangiomas can occasionally cause neurological symptoms by compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. The diagnosis of osseous hemangiomas is often made using radiographic and MRI studies, which typically demonstrate a characteristic "honeycomb" or "starburst" pattern 2.
Key Characteristics of Osseous Hemangiomas
- Benign vascular tumors that develop in bone tissue
- Most commonly affect the spine (particularly the vertebral bodies) and the skull
- Typically slow-growing and often discovered incidentally during imaging studies
- Often asymptomatic, but can cause localized pain, swelling, or pathological fractures
- Can cause neurological symptoms by compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots in the spine
Treatment Options
- Most osseous hemangiomas require no treatment and can be monitored with periodic imaging
- Intervention may be necessary for symptomatic cases, with treatment options including:
- Radiation therapy
- Embolization
- Vertebroplasty (injection of bone cement)
- Surgical removal in severe cases According to the most recent and highest quality study, maximal safe resection is recommended as the treatment of choice for patients with cranial osseous hemangiomas 1. However, the treatment approach may vary depending on the location and severity of the hemangioma, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences.