Cavernoma

Cavernoma is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain. Cavernomas are usually congenital and may develop in later life. They affect around 1 in every 200 people. However, many people with very small cavernomas will never experience symptoms and will only come to light if they have a brain scan for another reason.

Cavernomas can occur anywhere in the brain or spinal cord but are most commonly found in the cerebellum or the brainstem.

Cavernoma is classified according to location and the type of vessels involved. There are four main types:

Cavernoma can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on its size and location. Headaches are the most common symptom, but seizures, visual disturbances, and weakness or paralysis of the limbs can also occur.

Cavernoma can also cause problems with balance and coordination, speech or swallowing, dizziness or vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), changes in hearing, fatigue, sleep problems, mood changes, personality changes, and cognitive difficulties (problems with memory, attention, etc.).

Cavernoma can be a severe condition, and you must see a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms. However, early detection and treatment can prevent significant issues from developing. There are several ways to diagnose cavernoma, which include:

MRI scan: This type of scan uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. An MRI scan can often detect small cavernomas that may not be visible on other types of scans.

CT scan: A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. This type of scan can often detect larger cavernomas that may not be visible on an MRI scan.

Angiogram: This is a special X-ray used to examine the blood vessels. During an angiogram, a dye is injected into the blood vessels so they can be seen more clearly on the X-ray. This procedure can help to determine the size and location of a cavernoma.

Biopsy: This is a surgical procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed from the body for examination under a microscope. A biopsy can often confirm the diagnosis of cavernoma.

Stage 1: A small lesion, or “seed” cavernoma, forms.

Stage 2: The seed cavernoma grows and forms new blood vessels (neovascularization).

Stage 3: The fully developed cavernoma is made up of a tangle of abnormal.

There are several treatment options for cavernoma, depending on the location and severity of the condition. Treatment options include:

There are several potential side effects of treatments for cavernoma, including surgery, radiosurgery, and embolization. Each treatment option has its own set of potential risks and side effects.

There are several risk factors associated with cavernoma development. These include:

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cavernomas, including:

We know that a Cavernoma AVM diagnosis can be difficult to process. We’re here to help you through it.

Radiant Oncology is proud to offer expert care in all areas of vascular oncology, including Cavernoma AVM care. If you’re met with a Cavernoma AVM diagnosis, we can help you understand what it means for your health and how it will affect your treatment plan. We can also help you understand what treatment options are available to you, as well as the risks and benefits of each option.

If you have any questions about our services or would like to set up an appointment, please contact us today. We’re here to help.