Hemangioblastoma

Hemangioblastomas are benign central nervous system tumors that are found primarily (99%) in the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord. They can occur sporadically (67% of cases) or in the context of the familial neoplasia syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL; 33%). These lesions often remain quiescent or grow in a saltatory pattern. When these tumors cause signs or symptoms, the signs or symptoms are often associated with peritumoral cyst formation. Whether the tumor occurs sporadically or in the context of VHL, complete resection is the treatment of choice when necessary. This chapter describes the clinical, imaging, and treatment features of this neoplasm.