48. Hemangioblastoma of the central nervous system is a benign
tumor (WHO grade I) that is typically cystic and can occur
throughout the central nervous system. It is a tumor composed
of hemangioblasts, a type of stem cell that normally give rise
to blood vessels or blood cells. Its name breaks down to Greek
roots as follows: Haema (blood), angeion (vessel), blastos
(embryonic), oma (tumor).
Locations
Predominant locations include the cerebellum and spinal cord.
Causes
Hemangioblastomas can occur "sporadically", or as a
component of the von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL).