Hemangioblastomas

Hemangioblastomas are benign vascular tumors that can develop in the brain, spinal cord, and retina. These slow-growing tumors originate from the linings of blood vessels, but their exact cause remains unknown. While hemangioblastomas can occur at any age, they are more commonly seen in middle-aged adults. Dr. Sina Rajamand and the team at Saint Mary’s Brain and Spine Surgery provide advanced treatment options for hemangioblastomas at our Reno, NV medical center.

Hemangioblastomas are relatively rare, comprising about 2% of brain tumors and 3% of spinal cord tumors. They are more prevalent in individuals with Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, with up to 60% of those with VHL developing a hemangioblastoma. Despite their rarity, hemangioblastomas can be curable, with approximately 25% of cases recurring after treatment.

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Symptoms of Hemangioblastomas

Symptoms of hemangioblastomas can vary based on their location and often become noticeable later in life, typically around age 40. Common symptoms include:

Headaches
Vomiting
Nausea
Loss of balance or coordination

When located in the spinal cord, hemangioblastomas may cause numbness or weakness in affected muscles, bladder control issues, and constipation. Retinal hemangioblastomas can impact vision, potentially leading to retinal detachment or fibrous tissue growth that may result in vision loss.

Treatment options for hemangioblastomas include surgical removal, which can effectively eliminate the tumor and prevent regrowth in some cases. Stereotactic radiosurgery is another option, especially when surgery is risky due to the tumor’s location near critical brain or spinal cord structures. Many hemangioblastomas are successfully treated with minimal risk of long-term complications or recurrence.

Dr. Sina Rajamand, a highly-skilled and experienced neurosurgeon, specializes in minimally-invasive neurosurgery. For advanced hemangioblastoma treatment options, contact our team at Saint Mary’s Brain and Spine Surgery near Reno and Northern Nevada to schedule a consultation.

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