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.