Hemangioblastoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that arises from the cells lining the blood vessels. It most commonly appears in the brain, spinal cord, or in the retina—the tissue at the back of the eye. As the tumor grows, it can compress surrounding tissue and cause symptoms. In many cases, doctors may recommend surgery to remove the tumor.
Although hemangioblastomas are non-cancerous, patients may sometimes have more than one tumor in their body. These tumors can grow and exert pressure on nearby tissues, potentially leading to serious health issues.
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Causes of Hemangioblastoma
In most cases, hemangioblastomas occur without a known cause. However, around 1 in 4 cases are associated with a genetic condition called Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.
It is important to note that hemangioblastoma is a rare tumor. It accounts for about 0.5% of all brain tumor diagnoses and approximately 2% of spinal cord tumors.
Symptoms of Hemangioblastoma
The symptoms of hemangioblastoma can vary depending on the location of the tumor.
If the tumor develops in the spinal cord, symptoms may include:
- Constipation or bowel incontinence
- Urinary retention or incontinence
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness
If the tumor develops in the brain, it is considered a brain tumor and can cause:
- Balance disorders
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
If the tumor forms in the retina, it is classified as an eye tumor and may lead to:
- Retinal detachment
- Vision loss
- Eye pain and swelling
How Is Hemangioblastoma Diagnosed?
To diagnose hemangioblastoma, the doctor will ask about the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and family health history.
Several imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis:
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Uses a series of X-rays and computer processing to produce detailed images of the body’s internal structures.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to generate clear images of internal organs and soft tissues.
- Angiography: Involves injecting a contrast dye into blood vessels to make vascular tumors like hemangioblastoma more visible on X-ray images.
These diagnostic tools help doctors accurately detect and locate hemangioblastomas for proper treatment planning.
Hemangioblastoma Treatment Options
In many cases, surgery is the primary treatment option to remove hemangioblastomas. Other treatment approaches include:
- Surgical Resection: The surgeon makes an incision and uses specialized instruments to remove the tumor. The goal is to eliminate as much of the tumor tissue as possible while preserving nearby healthy tissue.
- Radiotherapy: This therapy uses precisely targeted radiation beams to shrink or destroy the tumor. The duration and method of treatment depend on the tumor’s location and the patient’s medical history.
- Observation or Monitoring: If the tumor cannot be safely removed or if the patient has multiple tumors that are stable or slow-growing, regular monitoring with imaging and check-ups may be recommended.
- Medication: Ongoing research is exploring medications that may shrink or halt tumor growth. For patients with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, one promising investigational drug is belzutifan.
The treatment approach is personalized for each patient to ensure the safest and most effective outcome.
Hemangioblastoma Treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, hemangioblastoma treatment is handled by experienced neurosurgeons, including Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS, also known as Dr. Joy.
He is a highly respected neurosurgeon in Indonesia, well-known for his expertise in brain tumor surgery—including microsurgery and awake brain surgery (performed while the patient is conscious). Dr. Joy holds the MURI record for the “Fastest Doctoral Graduate in Medicine in Indonesia.”
Dr. Joy has successfully treated hemangioblastoma cases at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
In one such case, Dr. Joy and his surgical team performed a microsurgical resection using a midline suboccipital approach, allowing them to carefully remove the brain tumor, including an associated cyst. The procedure was carried out with high precision to minimize any damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue.
The post-operative results were remarkable. An MRI conducted 10 days after the surgery showed that the tumor had been completely removed (100% resection), indicating a highly successful outcome.
The patient, who was previously bedridden or reliant on a wheelchair, experienced significant improvement. After the surgery, the patient was able to walk, regained better control of hand movements, and showed notable enhancement in overall motor function—proving the effectiveness of expert treatment in restoring quality of life.
Dr. Joy’s Consultation Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
- Monday: By appointment
- Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM WIB
- Wednesday: By appointment
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM WIB
- Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM WIB
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM WIB
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