What is von hippel-lindau disease?

11 December 2025

This is a low-incidence hereditary condition characterized by the abnormal growth of non-cancerous tumors and cysts that can develop in various parts of the body but may, at some point, become malignant.

The sooner Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is diagnosed, the more the risks and complications are minimized.

The tumors begin to appear in adulthood, primarily in the:

  • Brain.
  • Adrenal glands.
  • Spinal cord.
  • Ears.
  • Pancreas.
  • Kidneys.

People with VHL disease have an increased risk of developing tumors in areas that contain blood vessels.

Signs and symptoms Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

The symptoms manifest based on the size and location of the tumors, but they usually include:

  • Headache (Migraine).
  • Weak limbs.
  • Difficulty walking.
  • High blood pressure (Hypertension).
  • Nausea.
  • Hearing loss.
  • Loss of balance.
  • Vision disorders.
  • Vertigo.
  • Vomiting.

Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent permanent damage, as VHL disease can cause blindness, brain damage, and even death.

Diagnosis and treatment Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

Once the doctor analyzes the symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical exam and conduct a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

  • Genetic tests.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan.

Treatment for VHL disease depends on the location and size of the tumor or tumors, but generally includes:

  • Surgical procedure to remove the tumors.
  • Radiation therapy.

Since its inauguration in 2009, our Cancer Center has offered chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments on par with the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for the oncology patient.

Related centers and departments Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

Cancer Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cancer.org
  • cancer.net
  • cancer.gov
  • stjude.org
  • elsevier.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Solís AL, Alemany RE. Carcinomas renales múltiples como manifestación inicial del Síndrome de Von Hippel Lindau. Presentación de caso. Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas. 2017;16(5):751-760.
  • Díaz SMJ, Castro SJ, Conde CB, et al. Síndrome de Von Hippel-Lindau. Acta Med. 2023;21(2):167-169. doi:10.35366/110266.
  • Uscanga-Yépez J, Rodríguez-Covarrubias F, Morales J, et al. Tratamiento quirúrgico del carcinoma de células renales en la enfermedad de von Hippel-Lindau. Rev Invest Clin. 2013;65(4):318-322.

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