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A hemangioblastoma is a rare, typically benign tumour that arises from the vascular system, most commonly occurring in the brain and spinal cord. These tumours are highly vascular, meaning they contain many blood vessels, and are most often found in the cerebellum, retina, brainstem, or spinal cord. Although hemangioblastomas are benign, they can significantly impact a patient's health.
While both hemangioblastomas and hemangiomas involve blood vessels, they are distinctly different:
The symptoms of a hemangioblastoma depend on the tumour's location but may include:
The exact cause of a hemangioblastoma is not entirely understood. However, a significant proportion of cases are associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease, a genetic disorder that leads to multiple tumors forming in the body. Besides hemangioblastomas in the central nervous system, patients with VHL can also develop adrenal gland and kidney tumors. Genetic mutations in the VHL gene are responsible for this condition.
Despite being benign, hemangioblastomas can lead to severe complications, primarily due to their location within the central nervous system:
There are no known preventative measures specifically for hemangioblastoma. In individuals with von Hippel-Lindau disease, genetic counselling and regular surveillance for new tumors may help manage the condition and prevent complications.
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