Possible Tumor at C2 location?

[thesafe1]

I recently went in for an MRI on my neck and something was found.

Here is what the radiologist noted:

"Within the posterior elements of the C2 vertebral body on the left there is some altered signal intensity possibly representing lipoma and/or hemangioma.  Area of altered signal intensities identified within the posterior elements at the approximate C-2 level on the left involving the lamina.  Question area of lipoma and/or hemangioma."

What kind of treatment would be needed for this finding?  I don't have any physical symptoms at this point.

Can anyone suggest what kind of specialist I could visit for this or what kind of problems I'm looking at?

At first I was terrified that it could be some kind of cancer, but my research led me away from that possibility.  What treatment is common for this kind of discovery?

[Prem Pillay, MD]

It is unusual for a benign thyroid mass in the front of your neck to give you neck pain and a stiff neck in the back of the neck. I suspect that this is from some mild cervical spondylosis as described by your MRI findings.

[JoSue]

I recently had an MRI done because of a stiff neck of three months.  It showed arthritus and bone spurs in the cervical spine.  I was sent for a shot in my spine with no relief.  At the same time the MRI showed a cold mass on my thyroid.  Is it possible that the pain is from the thyroid instead of the spine.  I have been scheduled for removal of the mass from the thyroid.

[thesafe1]

Thank you for your reply, I have an upcoming appointment with a neurosurgeon in the near future.  I'll try and post their evaluation once I receive it.

[Prem Pillay, MD]

I would suggest that you consult a neurosurgeon in your vicinity.
If this is a hemangioma in the bone and you have no symptoms then nothing much needs to be done. It is rare for these to give rise to problems.