Von Hippel Lindau Syndrome

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome occurs when tumors are positioned in many locations within the body. The tumors can be cancerous and they can be noncancerous. These types of tumors are known as vascular tumors because they have blood vessels. Eugene von Hippel (1867-1939) was a German ophthalmologist who noticed the disease angiomatosis retinae that can travel all over the body in 1904. Arvid Lindau (1892-1958) was a Swedish pathologist who was known as the man that discovered the link between eye tumors and brain tumors 1926. Read on.

Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome occurs in about one out of every 36,000 persons. This condition is hereditary. Individuals are at risk for getting kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and adrenal gland cancer. Common symptoms may include high blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches. Some patients have experience vision problems. Keep in mind that symptoms will vary from one patient to the next patient. There are some ways to treat this condition.

Doctors have treated Von HIPPEL-Lindau syndrome by performing surgery. The surgery is done to get rid of the tumor before it causes major damage to the organs. An oncologist may administer radiation to fight some tumors. However, it is also very important for the patient to have a support system when undergoing treatment and a medical team to assist with medical questions and needs. Medications are also used to treat Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Doctors will also run several tests to detect VHL.

Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome prognosis will vary depending on many factors. For example, if the tumor is caught early, the right treatment may eliminate the tumor. Therefore, it is very important that the patients, doctors, and staff know the symptoms. The chances of survival are much higher when the disease is caught early. Death does occur and it is usually due to kidney cancer or brain cancer. New advancements in technology and science has reduced cancer deaths. Please keep in mind that the information was only written to inform readers about Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and is not medical advice.