Hemangiopericytoma

Hemangiopericytoma is an extremely rare malignant, or cancerous, tumor.



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What is Hemangiopericytoma?

Hemangiopericytoma is a rare soft-tissue tumor that is cancerous (malignant). These tumors originate from pericytes, which are a type of cell found in capillary walls. Hemangiopericytoma have a high recurrence rate, meaning they can come back.  

Who is usually affected?
Who is usually affected?

 

  • • The majority of cases occur between the ages of 20-70 years old, with the median age being 40 years old.
Causes
Causes
  • • There is no known cause of hemangiopericytoma.
Common Sites Involved
Common Sites Involved
  • • Lower extremities
  • • Can occur in long bones
  • • Lungs
  • • Pleura
  • • Meninges
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms
  • • Signs and symptoms include a painless mass.
Biological Behavior
Biological Behavior
  • • These tumors originate from pericytes, which are a type of cell found in capillary walls. 
  • • Behavior of the tumor depends of the grade of the tumor.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
  • • The work-up for hemangiopericytoma often consists of a physical examination, X-ray, MRI, CT, and bone scans. The diagnosis is often confirmed with a biopsy, which samples the tumor for further analysis.

Risk to your limbs

Hemangiopericytoma of soft-tissue is a cancerous tumor that originates from pericytes, which are located in capillary walls. They are at risk for recurrence, or coming back after removal.

Radiographic imaging is used to help form a diagnosis. These include X-Ray, MRI, CT and Bone Scans

An example of an MRI is shown.

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Treatment of Hemangiopericytoma of Soft-Tissue

The treatment of hemangiopericytoma of soft-tissue includes limb-sparing surgery, such as wide or radical resection. If malignant, chemotherapy and/or radiation may also be used as treatment.

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