However, as long as one copy of the VHL gene is functioning properly, you can keep tumors from growing. So your job is to keep that second copy healthy and keep tumors from occurring. We don't have all the answers on why the second copy sometimes stops working, but we do know some things you can do that will definitely help keep it healthy. But if you follow the guidelines you will do better than if you don't. VHL is in the family of diseases known as hereditary cancer syndromes.
Cancer involves the loss of control over cell division.
In that sense, all tumors are in the general category of cancer, since the cells are not needed and shouldn't be there. These tumors in particular rarely have symptoms until they are well established. Most people in the general population who experience these kinds of tumors don't find them until they are really in trouble. You can use this early warning to protect yourself. That's why the screening is so very important.