I was wondering if there is any relationship between breast fibroadenomas and spinal hemangiomas. I began having fibrocystic changes and the MRI showed one fibroadenmoa and a second MRI shows two fibroadenomas and a T8 spinal hemangioma. Anything concerning there? There is no follow-up just a mammogram in a year. thanks

Doctor Sinuhe Answers:

Thanks for your question. Without being able to see either of the studies, I can’t say if there is something to worry about. I can, however, hopefully comfort you by saying that personally I’d trust my doctor, ie. the doctor who has seen the images.

I sometimes think that MRI reports as a rule shouldn’t be given to patients, but only to the treating doctors, who should tell if and when there is something to worry about. This, because being a neurosurgeon, I have never seen a “normal” MRI, although majority of the patients I see need no neurosurgical intervention. Thus, MRI “findings” sometimes just cause extra anxiety.

In our practice, small spinal hemangiomas are considered harmless, incidental findings. They do not have any known connection with fibroadenomas.

Hope this helps a little.

Dr Sinuhe