Medicine & USMLE

Hemangioblastoma

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Brain Tumors
  1. Craniopharyngioma
  2. Oligodendroglioma
  3. Schwannoma
  4. Glioblastoma Multiforme (Grade IV Astrocytoma)
  5. Meningioma
  6. Ependymoma
  7. Pinealoma
  8. Pilocytic Astrocytoma
  9. Medulloblastoma
  10. Pituitary Adenoma
  11. Hemangioblastoma

Summary

Hemangioblastomas are vascular brain tumors mainly localized to the cerebellum. We typically find them in adults, as well as children who have Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome. The presence of hemangioblastomas can cause an increase in the hormone erythropoietin, which often leads to secondary polycythemia. A biopsy will reveal a highly vascular tumor with a foam-like appearance. 

Key Points

  • Hemangioblastoma
    • Characteristics
      • Brain tumor originating from blood vessels
    • Location
      • Most often cerebellar in origin
    • Presentation
      • Typically presents in adults
      • Seen in children with Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome (VHL)
        • Hemangioblastomas affecting retina and CNS
      • Can produce erythropoietin (EPO)
        • Leads to secondary polycythemia (high RBC count)
    • Histology
      • Highly vascular tumor on biopsy