A hypervascular tumor is a tumor that has an abnormally large number of blood vessels attached to it. The increased blood vessels increase the risk of bleeding, and for this reason hypervascular tumors can often be difficult to remove.

Hypervascular tumors can be effectively treated with embolization – a procedure to block blood flow to a tumor. Sometimes a tumor will begin to shrink after its blood supply has been cut off. This may make it easier for surgeons to remove the tumor. Even if the tumor is inoperable, however, embolization may stop or slow the tumor's growth, thus improving a patient's quality of life.

For more information about treatment for hypervascular tumors and the physicians associated with the Inova Stroke and Cerebrovascular Program, call 703-776-4700.