Von Hippel-Lindau Awareness Month is observed during the month of May. People who have VHL disease may experience tumors and/or cysts in up to ten parts of the body, including the brain, spine, eyes, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, inner ears, reproductive tract, liver and lung.

Von Hippel-Lindau is considered one of a group of familial cancer risk factors, which are transmitted genetically. The objective of treating this disease is to find tumors early, watch for signs that a tumor is growing, and remove or disable the tumor before it invades other tissues. Benign tumors may also need treatment or removal if their growth causes symptoms.