[Effect of radiation therapy on extracerebral cavernous hemangioma in the middle fossa]

We report three cases of extracerebral cavernous hemangiomas in the middle fossa all of which had received radiotherapy. Follow-up study with serial computed tomography during and after irradiation were presented. In Case 1, radiotherapy after partial removal of the tumor reduced the tumor's size and CT number, and facilitated total removal. In Case 2 as well, irradiation was started before the operation. The tumor responded very well to irradiation and showed significant reduction in the size and CT number of the tumor with a dose of about 3,000 rads. Subtotal removal was possible. In Case 3, the tumor responded very well clinically to irradiation, and vertigo were much improved with a dose of about 3,000 rads, and CT scan at that time showed significant reduction in the size and CT number of the tumor, therefore she only received radiation therapy, no surgical intervention. It is concluded that in cases of extracerebral cavernous hemangioma with massive hemorrhage, radiation of up to 3,000 rads was a method of choice. The treatment results in an increased probability of total removal of the tumor, and moreover the possibility of eliminating surgery.