Vascular Tumors
(Hemangioblastomas, Juvenile, Nasoangiofibromas, Meningiomas, Metastatic Tumors)
Vascular tumors that come to the attention of the interventional neuroradiologist may be inside the skull (intracranial) or outside, in the head and neck region (extracranial), or in the spinal column.
Endovascular embolization of vascular tumors is often done as a pre-operative procedure. The goal of this embolization is to reduce the amount of blood loss that is experienced at the time of surgery and also to make the removal of the tumor easier and potentially more complete.
The types of tumors that may respond favorably to this technique include:
- Hemangioma
- Meningioma
- Hemangioblastoma
- Paraganglioma
- Malignant bone tumor
- Juvenile nasal angiofibroma
- Schwannoma
The embolization is performed by placing a catheter directly into the blood supply of the tumor. Embolic material is then injected through the catheter to close off the blood vessels supplying the tumor. This embolic material can include particles, such as polyvinyl alcohol, as well liquid embolic material, which leaves the catheter as a liquid and solidifies within the blood vessel.
Vascular tumor pre-treatment
Angiogram from a young patient with a vascular tumor, which was gradually enlarging and causing extensive nosebleeds. A decision was made to operate to remove the tumor, but prior to this the patient had embolization to block the abnormal blood vessels and reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Vascular tumor post-treatment
Angiogram from the same patient after embolization has blocked up the abnormal blood vessels of the tumor.
