Sunday, August 22, 2010

Angiomas, Hemangioblastomas, Cysts and Tumors

Angiomas, Hemangioblastomas, Cysts and Tumors



Angiomas may occur in several parts of the body. Angiomas in the brain or spinal cord, for example, are called hemangioblastomas. The pressure they exert may in itself cause symptoms. They may press on nerve or brain tissue and cause symptoms such as headaches, problems with balance when walking, or weakness of arms and legs.


If the angioma grows, the walls of the blood vessels may weaken and some blood leakage may occur, which can cause damage to surrounding tissues. Blood or fluid leakage from angiomas in the retina, for example, can interfere with vision. Early detection, careful monitoring of the eye, and treatment when needed, are very important to maintain healthy vision.


Cysts may grow up around angiomas. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs which may exert pressure or create blockages that can cause symptoms.


Some male patients experience tumors in the scrotal sacs. These tumors are almost always benign, but should be examined by your urologist. Similarly, women may have benign cysts and tumors among the reproductive organs, which need careful monitoring.


Cysts and tumors may occur in the kidney, pancreas, and adrenal glands. These cysts frequently cause no symptoms, but must be monitored for changes. One sign of adrenal gland tumors may be high blood pressure. Some of these tumors are benign, while others are cancerous. Early detection and careful monitoring are particularly important for these organ systems, usually with yearly CT or MRI, assisted by ultrasound scanning.



I am not a doctor or an expert by any means. Please visit VHL Family Alliance website for more information. www.VHL.org

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