OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features of hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system (CNS). METHODS: 174 patients with hemangioblastomas of CNS were reviewed from 1982 to 1995. All patients were verified pathologically. RESULTS: The tumors occurred mainly in patients between 21 and 40 years of age, and more often in men than in women. Most tumors were in the posterior fossa. CT scan of 119 patients showed that 95 hemangioblastomas appeared as cysts. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for 47 patients showed that 32 had cysts. 49 patients were examined with angiography or DSA. 164 tumor mural nodules and solid masses were completely resected. The subtotal removal of others was performed. These patients received radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Enhanced MRI is the examination of choice for preoperative evaluation of cystic hemangioblastomas. Angiography or DSA is necessary in the diagnosis of bigger solid masses. The findings suggest that patients' age and degrees of section could affect the recurrence of hemangioblastoma.