These abnormal growths can further develop into tumors and cysts.
VHL is resulting from a mutation in the gene that controls cell growth, located on your third chromosome.
Symptoms
Most of the tumors triggered by VHL are harmless but can become cancerous.
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Some people may only get tumors in one area while others may be affected in multiple regions.
Only 10% of people with VHL develop ear tumors.
Ear tumors should be treated to prevent deafness.
If your parent has VHL, then there is a 50% chance that you have inherited the condition.
However, not all cases of VHL are inherited.
Approximately, 20% of VHL have a genetic mutation that was not passed down from their parents.
Treatment
Treatment optionsdepend on where your tumor is located.
Many tumors can be removed with surgery.
A close watch should be kept over any kidney cysts.
These may be removed surgically to reduce the risk ofdeveloping kidney cancer.
Approximately, 70% of people with VHL developkidney cancerby the age of 60.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approved belzutifan for cancers associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Published August 13, 2021.
Evans, J. P. (2002).
VHL Alliance (2016).
