Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is a rare disease that makes tumours and cysts grow in the body: in the brain and spinal cord, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands and reproductive tract. The tumours are usually benign (not cancer), but some, such as those in the kidney and pancreas, can become cancerous.
Cause
VHL is a genetic disease, inherited: passed down from parent to child.
Symptoms
They depend on the size and location of the tumours, and can include:
- headaches;
- problems with balance and walking;
- dizziness;
- weak arms or legs;
- vision problems;
- high blood pressure.
Diagnosis
Finding and treating VHL early matters. A provider may suspect it from certain patterns of cysts and tumours, and a genetic test can confirm it. People who have it need further tests, including imaging, to look for tumours and cysts.
Treatment
It depends on where the growths are and how big. It usually means surgery, and some tumours may be treated with radiation therapy. The aim is to treat growths while they are small, before they cause permanent damage, with careful monitoring by a doctor or team who knows the disease.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Von Hippel-Lindau Disease," from the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://medlineplus.gov/vonhippellindaudisease.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
许可协议： CC0 1.0（公有领域） · 改编自 medlineplus.gov
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