By: Zainab Awais
What is Hemangioblastoma?
Hemangioblastoma is a benign vascular abnormal growth of a tissue that arises exclusively in the central nervous system. Hemangioblastoma is a tumor of the brain, spinal cord, retina, pancreas and the liver arising from the lining of the blood vessels. The World Health Organization classifies hemangioblastomas as benign tumors of uncertain origin. Hemangioblastomas make up 2% of all primary brain tumors and approximately 3% of all spinal tumors. Hemangioblastomas may be formed because of a hereditary condition called VHl (Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome) disease. Typically this tumor is found in adults around the age of 40.
Symptoms Of Hemangioblastoma:
Headache
Loss of coordination and balance
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle weakness
Numbness
Constipation
Lack of voluntary control over urination and discharge of faeces from the body
Risk Factors:
If one acquires hemangioblastoma the brain’s supply of CSF ( Cerebrovascular fluid) may decrease. Cerebrovascular fluid is a colorless liquid that cushions the brain inside the skull. A change in the Cerebrovascular levels in the brain causes symptoms, most frequently headaches, to come suddenly. Simple cyst drainage appears to be insufficient for definitive management.
Surgery:
Advancements in microsurgical techniques have made hemangioblastoma a dangerous yet potentially a treatable and curable disease. MRI’s and CT scans are the most commonly used imaging tests. Additionally, ultrasound, a noninvasive screening method, can help doctors locate a tumor. Resection surgery is performed to remove the tumor from the organs. Recession surgery is the most successful surgery to remove Hemangioblastoma but may not be an option if hemangioblastoma is associated with VHL disease. For people who have Hemangioblastoma that is associated with VHL disease, genetic testing may be a better option. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a noninvasive procedure that uses highly focused beams of radiation to target the hemangioblastoma tumor. If the hemangioblastoma tumor is located in the brain or the spinal cord, radiosurgery is the best option to treat the tumor, because it would be difficult to treat using traditional surgical techniques. Adjuvant radiotherapy may be used in patients with incomplete resections.
If you know someone who has this disease check these websites: