Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Where is the most common location for a CNS hemangioblastoma?

1. The brainstem

2. The spinal cord

3. The posterior fossa

4. The cerebral cortex

The correct answer is: The posterior fossa

The most common location for a CNS hemangioblastoma is indeed the posterior fossa. Hemangioblastoma is a vascular tumor commonly associated with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and when present in the central nervous system (CNS), they often manifest in areas rich in vascular structures. The posterior fossa, which includes the cerebellum and brainstem, is frequently where these tumors develop due to the abundance of vascularity and the anatomical features of that region. Tumors in this area can lead to significant clinical symptoms due to their potential to disrupt normal cerebellar function or impair brainstem pathways, impacting vital functions. While hemangioblastomas can occur in other parts of the CNS, the posterior fossa remains the predominant site, emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding this tumor location in both diagnosis and treatment planning.