Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

In which anatomical area are CNS hemangioblastomas most frequently found?

1. Middle fossa

2. Posterior fossa

3. Frontal lobes

4. Cervical spine

The correct answer is: Posterior fossa

CNS hemangioblastomas are most frequently found in the posterior fossa, which includes regions such as the cerebellum and brainstem. These tumors are often associated with conditions like von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, which predisposes individuals to develop central nervous system tumors. The posterior fossa is a common site because it provides the necessary vascular environment that these tumors thrive in; the rich blood supply in this region can facilitate the development of hemangioblastomas. In contrast, while hemangioblastomas can technically occur in other areas such as the cervical spine, middle fossa, or frontal lobes, these occurrences are far less common. The nature of the tumors’ growth and their relation to vascular structures accounts for their prevalence in the posterior fossa area. Understanding the typical locations of CNS tumors is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in neuro-oncology.