Extensive tongue hemangiopericytoma in a child: modified combined modality of treatment to preserve well functioning tongue

Treatment outcome and prognostic factors of head and neck hemangiopericytoma: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Head and neck hemangiopericytoma (HNHPC) is rare. Treatment outcome and specific prognostic factors were unexplored.

METHODS

A case meta-analysis, in which treatment and outcome data were available, was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 116 primary HNHPC cases were analyzed. Poor pathologic differentiation was associated with increased risk of tumor recurrence (odds ratio [OR] = 2.378; p = .005), metastasis (OR = 3.634; p = .011), and mortality (OR = 4.563; p = .002), whereas surgery was associated with decreased risk of tumor recurrence (OR = 0.109; p = .004). The tumor size >5.0 cm in diameter (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.391; p = .002), nonsurgical treatment (HR = 7.648; p = .000), and poor pathologic differentiation (HR = 1.705; p = .012) were the independent unfavorable prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Moreover, nonsurgical treatment (HR = 8.097; p = .002) and deep tumor location (HR = 4.074; p = .013) were independent adverse prognostic factors for overall survival (OS).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a management emphasizing the surgical removal of the tumor as first-line treatment. Tumor size >5.0 cm, poor pathologic differentiation, deep tumor location, and nonsurgical treatment were independent adverse prognostic factors.

A Novel Approach to Hemangiopericytoma of the Sinonasal Cavity

Hemangiopericytomas of the sinonasal cavity are relatively rare tumors. Most of them are essentially benign though malignant potential and metastasis to distant sites has also been reported. Treatment options usually involve external approaches. We hereby discuss the combined endoscopic and transoral approach to these tumors.

Haemangiopericytoma of the maxillary gingiva: report of a case

AIM

Haemangiopericytoma (HPC) represents approximately 3% of all tumours in the head and neck. This tumour is a soft tissue tumour derived from mesenchymal cells with pericytic differentiation. We present the clinicopathological findings of a case.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 69-year-old man was referred to our Department for a mass located on the right pre-molar maxillary gingiva; this mass caused problems during chewing, but was otherwise asymptomatic.

RESULTS

Clinical examination revealed a nodular, pink lesion, 3.5 cm in diameter, which was lined with normal mucosa. The lesion was mobile in relation to the deep and superficial tissues. Microscopic analysis of the neoplasm showed a vascular rich pattern, constituted by vessels covered with flat endothelium and surrounded by abundant spindly cells. On the basis of these histological and immunohistochemical findings, the final diagnosis was HPC.

CONCLUSIONS

HPC is an uncommon vascular tumour for which the biological behaviour is difficult to predict. In our patient, no recurrences or distant metastases were present at a 4 years follow-up.