June is Cavernoma Awareness Month, which aims to widen the public understanding of this rare but potentially serious neurological condition. Here’s a look at what cavernoma is, what the symptoms are, and what the main cavernoma treatment options are.
What is a cavernoma?
A cavernoma (also known as a cavernous angioma or cerebral cavernous malformation) is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord. It is described as having the appearance of a raspberry, and can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimetres.
A cavernoma can increase in size, but it is not cancerous and cannot spread to other parts of the body. The blood vessels that make up the cavernoma have unusually thin walls, and they can be prone to small leaks, either inwardly or outwardly into the surrounding tissue.
Occasionally, a more severe haemorrhage may occur, which can cause serious complications or even be life threatening. Cavernomas most commonly occur in the brain, but it’s estimated that about five per cent occur in the spinal cord. They may also occasionally occur in the brainstem, which can be particularly risky.
What causes a cavernoma?
Most cavernomas occur spontaneously with no clear cause. However, some cavernomas run in families, and genetic testing may be carried out to determine if this is the case. Other risk factors include radiation therapy to the brain, particularly in childhood, and a history of brain hemorrhages.
It’s estimated that about one in every 600 people is affected by a cavernoma, but as they do not always cause symptoms, this figure may be higher. According to the NHS, the most common age for a cavernoma to occur is between 20 and 40.
What are the symptoms of cavernoma?
The type and severity of cavernoma symptoms will vary depending on the location in the brain. Sometimes they can be asymptomatic, but if symptoms are present they may include:
- Haemorrhage
- Seizure (fits)
- Headaches
- Vision or speech problems
- Dizziness, tremor, or problems with coordination or balance
- Weakness or numbness
- Memory problems
- Tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slurred speech or double vision
How is cavernoma diagnosed?
The main method for diagnosing cavernoma is via a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Sometimes, the condition will be picked up if the patient is having a scan for another reason, because it does not always have noticeable symptoms.
What are the treatment options for cavanoma?
The treatment pathway for cavernoma will depend on the number, size, and location, and the type and severity of the symptoms. Cavernomas do not always require active treatment, and instead the focus will be on managing or treating any symptoms. The patient will have regular MRI scans to monitor the cavernoma for any changes.
Medication
If the patient is experiencing headaches or seizures, these may be controlled with medication.
Surgery
If the patient is considered to be at risk of a haemorrhage, then neurosurgery may be recommended to remove the cavernoma. This is a major operation with a high risk of complications and side affects, so the potential benefits need to be carefully weighed up against the potential dangers.
Stereotactic radiosurgery
If neurosurgery is considered to be too difficult or dangerous, then stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may be considered. This is a relatively new method of treating cavernomas, but there is evidence to suggest that it is a safe and effective treatment that is less invasive than conventional surgery.
SRS involves delivering high doses of radiation to the site of the lesions to destroy the abnormal blood vessels, eliminating the risk of a future haemorrhage. It may be an option for high-risk cavernomas that are deeply located in the brain, or near to critical nerves that would make neurosurgery too dangerous.
Gamma Knife surgery
Gamma Knife surgery is a form of SRS that doesn’t involve surgical incision, but delivers precisely focused radiation beams from multiple angles to the cavernoma. The individual beams are low intensity, but multiple beams converge at the target to enable a powerful dose of radiation that is usually delivered in a single session.
Patients experience minimal downtime, and can usually return to their normal activities within a few hours of treatment, requiring no overnight stay in hospital. Gamma Knife may be considered as a treatment option if multiple cavernomas are present, or if the lesion is in an area that is difficult to reach.
Outlook for cavernoma
Cavernoma is a lifelong condition, but with proper care and management, many people can live full and active lives.
Raising awareness of the symptoms and treatment options can help patients to access the best quality of advice, support and treatment. Get in touch with the Amethyst Radiotherapy team today to find out more.