Hemangioblastoma: Causes, Symptoms, Signs

What're causes of hemangioblastoma?
Causes of hemangioblastomas is inherited VHL gene as an autosomal dominant trait. It may represent a familial disorder as part of the VHL complex and it may be passed on by affected or unaffected members of either sex. Hemangioblastomas can occur sporadically, or as a component of the von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). VHL is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. The VHL gene behaves as a tumor suppressor, i.e. mutation of the VHL gene predisposes individuals to development of a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors. These tumors occur in target tissues such as the kidneys, adrenal gland, central nervous system and retina.

What're symptoms of hemangioblastoma?
Symptoms of hemangioblastoma are depend on the location of the tumor, common signs and symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Loss of coordination
• Vision problems
• Raised intracranial pressure
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Ataxia
• Imbalance
• Cerebellar dysfunction
• Nausea
• Pain
• Spinal cord compression symptoms
• Polycythemia

Other symptoms of cerebellar hemangioblastoma include enlarging tumor and cyst putting pressure on the cerebellum or hydrocephalus. Brainstem and spinal cord hemangioblastomas may cause loss of motor function (weakness) and loss of sensation in the extremities or impaired bowel and bladder function.