What are symptoms of Von Hippel-Lindau disease?

Signs and symptoms of von Hippel-Lindau disease depend on the location of the noncancerous (benign) tumors and may include:

- Retinal angiomas: Small, red blood vessel growths at the back of the eyes that may cause no symptoms or may obstruct the vision.

- Central nervous system hemangioblastomas: These are tumors that grow in the brain and spinal cord. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the size, location, and number of tumors. These may include headaches, seizures, speech difficulties, dizziness, vision changes, pain, and weakness in the arms and legs.

- Kidney cysts and tumors: Kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs. Kidney tumors include:

* Renal cell carcinoma: A type of kidney cancer that can cause blood in the urine, abdominal pain and pressure, and weight loss.

* Renal cysts: Clusters of cysts in the kidneys may lead to kidney failure.

- Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: Pheochromocytomas are tumors that grow in the glands located on top of the kidneys (adrenal glands). Paragangliomas are similar tumors that grow along nerves elsewhere in the body, most commonly in the neck or abdomen. Signs and symptoms of these tumors may include sweating, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and weight loss.

- Pancreatic cysts and tumors: Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs that usually don't cause signs and symptoms. Pancreatic tumors include:

* Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (islet cell tumors): These tumors grow in the cells of the pancreas that make hormones. They may cause abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and symptoms related to excessive amounts of hormones, such as diarrhea and skin changes.

* Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A type of pancreatic cancer that can cause abdominal pain, weight loss, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

- Epididymal cysts and cystadenomas: Epididymal cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the tubes (epididymis) that store sperm near the testicles. They usually cause no signs or symptoms. Epididymal cystadenomas are tumors of the epididymis that may be cancerous or noncancerous.