Spinal Hemangioblastomas

What is a spinal hemangioblastoma?

Spinal hemangioblastomas are a type of benign, highly vascular tumor that can occur in the brain, spinal cord, and retina (the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye). These types of spinal tumors are usually considered non-cancerous. Dr. Brenton Pennicooke, MD, spinal tumor specialist, treats patients in Saint Louis and surrounding cities in St. Louis, St. Peters, Creve Coeur, and the surrounding cities in St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, Missouri who are experiencing symptoms associated with a spinal hemangioblastoma.

What causes a spinal hemangioblastoma?

Spinal hemangioblastomas typically develop in patients with a particular genetic condition or randomly without a clear cause. Von Hippel-Lindau Disease is an inherited genetic condition that causes a mutation in a gene that makes tumors, such as spinal hemangioblastomas, more likely to develop. Patients without this condition may develop spinal hemangioblastomas randomly. This sporadic nature of these tumors makes it more difficult to predict the likelihood an individual may develop a spinal hemangioblastoma.

What are the symptoms of spinal hemangioblastoma?

The symptoms of a spinal hemangioblastoma develop as a result of the tumor compressing the spinal cord. These symptoms also vary based on the location of the spinal hemangioblastoma along the spinal cord, however, in general, the symptoms include:

• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Clumsiness, or lack of coordination and fine motor control of the hands
• Loss of ability to feel hot, cold, or other sensations in the hands and or feet
• Difficulty walking
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Some tumors may be small enough that they do not put pressure on the spinal cord, therefore resulting in no symptoms.

How are spinal hemangioblastomas diagnosed?

To diagnose a spinal hemangioblastoma, your primary medical provider will order diagnostic imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan. These scans will allow Dr. Pennicooke to determine the size and location of the spinal hemangioblastoma. Additionally, Dr. Pennicooke may order a spinal angiogram, which is a test that determines the blood flow to the tumor. Since spinal hemangioblastomas are found in blood vessels, a spinal angiogram can provide important diagnostic information regarding the nutrient supply of the tumor.

What is the treatment for spinal hemangioblastoma?

Non-surgical treatment:

• Radiation treatment: Radiation may be used in patients with tumors that are difficult to access surgically.
• Observation: Some spinal hemangioblastomas may be small enough that they do not cause symptoms or otherwise affect the patient. These patients will typically participate in the observation of the tumor, where imaging is performed at certain intervals over time.

Surgical treatment:

Surgical removal of the spinal hemangioblastoma is the most common treatment for tumors causing significant symptoms in patients. Dr. Pennicooke will use a surgical microscope and very small specialized tools to remove the tumor. Most spinal hemangioblastomas can be removed surgically, which may improve neurological function and eliminate associated symptoms.