A cavernoma, also known as a cavernous angioma, cavernous hemangioma, or cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels that can be found in the brain, spinal cord, or other parts of the nervous system and body. It is a type of venous malformation due to endothelial dysmorphogenesis from a lesion which is present at birth. A typical cavernoma looks like a raspberry and is filled with blood that flows slowly through vessels that are like "caverns". The cells lining a cavernoma are often thinner than those that line normal blood vessels, which means theyre prone to leaking blood. In most cases, bleeding is small and may not cause other symptoms, but severe haemorrhages can be life-threatening and may lead to long-lasting problems.

Cavernomas located in the brain or spinal cord are referred to as cerebral cavernomas or more usually as cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) . When they contact the cortex, they can represent a potential seizure focus for the patient. Unlike other cavernous hemangiomas, there is no tissue within the malformation and its borders are not encapsulated. Therefore, they can change in size and number over time. Symptoms of cavernoma often do not occur, but when they do, they can include bleeding, fits (seizures), and headaches. The type, frequency, and severity of symptoms often depend on the location of the cavernoma.

Cavernomas can be sporadic or familial. Sporadic cavernomas are the most common and occur when only one cavernoma develops, and the condition doesn’t run in the family. Familial cavernomas are less common and occur when more than one cavernoma develops, and the condition runs in the family. Clinical trials are being conducted to better assess when it is appropriate to treat a patient with this malformation and with what treatment method. Additionally, long-term studies are being conducted because there is no information related to the long-term outlook of patients with cavernoma.