Hemangioblastoma is successfully treated in Israel thanks to world-class neurosurgery and advanced technologies that allow for the removal of even complex tumours with high precision and minimal risks. Leading specialists with years of experience in surgeries on the blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord use the most modern methods, including microsurgery, endoscopic techniques, and stereotactic radiosurgery. A personalized approach takes into account the size, location of the tumour, age, and overall health, making treatment as effective as possible.
The clinic offers not only world-class medical care but also comfortable accommodation and support from a personal coordinator. This ensures not only effective treatment but also makes the entire process as comfortable as possible for the patient.
About the disease
Hemangioblastoma is a benign tumour made up of blood vessels that develops in the central nervous system, most often in the cerebellum. The causes of the disease are not fully understood; however, it is known that genetic predisposition plays a significant role, especially in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. This tumour grows slowly and may not manifest for a long time, but as it increases in size, it begins to exert pressure on surrounding tissues, causing various neurological symptoms.
Patients may experience headaches, dizziness, coordination problems, weakness in the limbs, and balance issues. Additionally, the tumour can cause increased intracranial pressure, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. In some cases, hemangioblastomas may bleed, resulting in more severe complications such as seizures and loss of consciousness.
Treatment methods
At the Ichilov Clinic, the choice of treatment method for hemangioblastoma is based on a precise assessment of the tumour's location, size, and neurological risks, allowing for the creation of an individual protocol for each case.
Microsurgical removal
When the tumour reaches a size that begins to compress surrounding structures of the brain or spinal cord, microsurgical removal becomes the preferred choice. The operation is performed using intraoperative neuro-navigation, which creates a three-dimensional map in real-time and allows the surgeon to see the boundaries of the tumour with millimeter precision. Modern microscopes with high magnification and fluorescent visualization help distinguish altered tissue from healthy tissue, which is critical when working near vital centers. Neurophysiological monitoring throughout the operation tracks the functions of the spinal cord and nerve roots, instantly signaling any risk.
Stereotactic radiosurgery
Small hemangioblastomas located in hard-to-reach areas of the brainstem or upper segments of the spinal cord often require a non-contact approach. The Gamma Knife system or linear accelerator directs multiple thin beams of radiation that intersect precisely at the volume of the tumour, creating a high dose of radiation with minimal impact on surrounding tissues. Planning the session takes several hours and involves overlaying MRI and CT data to build a virtual model. Radiation lasts from a few minutes to an hour, the patient remains conscious, and a special mask or frame stabilizes the head with sub-millimeter precision. The effect develops gradually, with the tumour's vessels becoming necrotic over several months.
Embolization of the tumour's vessels
In hemangioblastomas with pronounced vascularization, where the tumour is literally permeated by a network of enlarged vessels, embolization serves as a preparatory stage before surgery. An interventional neuroradiologist accesses the feeding vessels of the tumour through a microcatheter inserted via the femoral artery and injects an embolizing material that blocks blood flow. The entire procedure is performed under angiography control, which shows the movement of contrast through the vascular system in real-time. Reducing blood supply to the tumour a day before surgery lowers the risk of massive bleeding and makes removal safer. In some cases, embolization may be used as a standalone method if surgical intervention is not possible.
Targeted therapy
When hemangioblastoma is part of von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and multiple tumours are found in the body, including those located in the kidneys or retina, systemic treatment comes to the forefront. Angiogenesis inhibitors block the signaling pathways that stimulate the growth of new vessels in the tumour tissue, leading to stabilization of the process. Molecular testing in the Ichilov laboratory helps identify specific mutations and select a drug with maximum activity against the specific variant of the tumour. Therapy is conducted in courses, requires regular monitoring of liver and kidney function, as well as monitoring the sizes of all lesions with MRI every three months.
Dynamic observation
Small asymptomatic hemangioblastomas, incidentally discovered during examinations for other reasons, do not always require immediate intervention. The active surveillance protocol involves regular MRI studies with contrast enhancement every six months to track growth dynamics. The team of specialists assesses not only the size of the tumour but also the appearance of edema around it, changes in vascularization, and any new neurological symptoms. This approach is justified in elderly patients or those with serious comorbidities, where the risks of treatment outweigh the potential benefits. The decision to transition to active therapy is made at an interdisciplinary council involving a neurosurgeon, oncologist, and radiologist.
Rehabilitation therapy
After any intervention on the structures of the nervous system, restoring lost functions becomes a top priority. The neurorehabilitation program begins in the first days after surgery and includes working with a physiotherapist who helps restore coordination and muscle strength. An occupational therapist teaches the patient to perform daily activities again, adapting techniques to temporary or permanent limitations. A speech therapist works with speech and swallowing disorders that may arise from damage to the corresponding centers in the brainstem. Rehabilitation continues on an outpatient basis and can last from several weeks to a year, gradually returning the person to their usual lifestyle. Claude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
- Neurosurgical operations in Israel
- Operations in Israel
- Rehabilitation in Israel
- Endovascular embolization
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
Methods of diagnosing the disease
At the Ichilov Clinic, all diagnostic procedures are performed on high-precision modern equipment (latest generation MRI, CT, angiography), ensuring maximum accuracy. All stages of the examination are carefully planned in advance and performed within a short time – usually within 2-3 days – so that the patient can quickly receive a complete treatment plan.
First day
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient immediately meets with the attending neurosurgeon or oncologist. The doctor collects a detailed medical history (history of the disease, symptoms, family history), conducts a thorough neurological examination, and provides recommendations for necessary studies. This allows for a complete picture of the patient's condition and plans the optimal diagnostic program.
Second day
On the second day, the entire range of necessary studies is conducted to clarify the diagnosis of hemangioblastoma.
- Complete blood count
- Biochemical blood analysis
- Coagulation profile
- Brain MRI with contrast
- Full spine MRI
- Brain CT (if necessary)
- MRA or cerebral angiography
- Ophthalmologist consultation (to rule out retinal angiomas)
- PET-CT (if multiple tumours or von Hippel-Lindau syndrome are suspected)
Third day
The attending physician gathers a council involving neurosurgeons, radiologists, oncologists, and other specialists. This allows for the creation of the most relevant and individualized treatment plan, taking into account all the features of the tumour, the patient's overall condition, and possible comorbidities.
- Angiography of vessels in Israel
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis – PET CT
- Blood biochemistry
How much does treatment cost in Israel
The cost of treatment consists of a complex of diagnostic studies on high-precision equipment, consultations with leading specialists, surgical intervention, anesthetic support, hospital stay, postoperative monitoring, and rehabilitation. The price is individual and depends on the size and location of the tumour, the chosen treatment method, the need for additional procedures, and the length of hospitalization.
For an accurate cost calculation, it is necessary to contact the clinic's consultant at the phone number indicated on the website.
Advantages of treatment in Israel
- Highly qualified neurosurgeons of world-class with extensive experience in operations on hemangioblastomas
- Modern minimally invasive and highly precise treatment methods with minimal risks of complications
- Advanced equipment and technologies for accurate diagnosis and radical tumour removal
- Rapid organization of the entire diagnostic and treatment process within a short time
- Comfortable accommodation and an individual approach to each patient
Even before arriving in Israel, the patient can order an online consultation with a leading neurosurgeon or oncologist. During the consultation, they will receive detailed recommendations for further steps, answers to all questions of interest, and information about the most modern treatment technologies available at the clinic.