Hemangiopericytomas are a rare type of tumor that involve blood vessels and soft tissues. They can be either cancerous or noncancerous and may not cause any symptoms. Hemangiopericytomas can originate anywhere in the body where capillaries are present, most commonly occurring in the brain, lower extremities, pelvic area, head, and neck.
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What is Hemangiopericytoma?
Hemangiopericytomas are a rare type of tumor that involve blood vessels and soft tissues. They can be either cancerous or noncancerous and may not cause any symptoms. Hemangiopericytomas can originate anywhere in the body where capillaries are present, most commonly occurring in the brain, lower extremities, pelvic area, head, and neck.
Where are hemangiopericytomas most common?
Hemangiopericytomas are most common in the:
- Bones
- Brain
- Head
- Lower extremities
- Lungs
- Nasal cavity
- Neck
- Paranasal sinuses
- Pelvis
Is hemangiopericytoma a cancer?
Hemangiopericytomas can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant hemangiopericytomas can metastasize or spread to other areas in the body, primarily the lungs and bones.
How common is hemangiopericytoma?
Hemangiopericytomas are rare, making up less than one percent of vascular tumors and 3% to 5% of soft tissue sarcomas.
What causes hemangiopericytomas?
Researchers aren’t sure what causes hemangiopericytomas.
Complications of hemangiopericytoma
Hemangiopericytomas can be cancerous or noncancerous. Cancerous tumors can metastasize (spread) to other areas of the body and may recur even after treatment. Hemangiopericytomas in the brain can cause neurological problems.
How can I prevent hemangiopericytoma?
There is nothing you can do to prevent hemangiopericytoma.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hemangiopericytoma?
Hemangiopericytoma tumors are usually painless masses, often without any associated symptoms. They can remain undetected for long periods of time because they originate in soft tissue that is flexible and easily accommodates the new mass.
When symptoms occur, they are likely to be associated with an enlarging mass. They can mimic meningiomas around the brain and skull base, causing neurologic disturbances such as:
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Weakness
When should I see a doctor about my hemangiopericytoma symptoms?
If you have symptoms of hemangiopericytoma, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. If symptoms are severe, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
How Do You Diagnose Hemangiopericytoma?
To diagnose hemangiopericytoma, your doctor will ask about your symptoms. They'll do a physical exam and order imaging tests.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects a hemangiopericytoma, they will:
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Perform a physical exam.
- Order imaging tests.
- Review your health history and medications.
Tests to diagnose hemangiopericytoma
Your doctor may order tests, including:
- Biopsy — Involves taking a sample of tumor tissue for analysis in the lab to learn about the tumor type and characteristics.
- CT scan —A test that uses a series of x-rays to create images of your body's organs, bones, and tissues.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — A test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to pinpoint where the tumor is and help doctors determine the size.
Hemangiopericytoma prognosis
Your prognosis after a hemangiopericytoma diagnosis depends on many factors, including where the tumor is located, if it is cancerous, and whether it has spread to other areas of your body. Your doctor will discuss your prognosis with you.
What is the survival rate for hemangiopericytoma?
Survival rates for hemangiopericytoma depend on the stage and location of your tumor and whether it is cancerous.
How Do You Treat Hemangiopericytoma?
UPMC experts may recommend a combination of surgical and nonsurgical approaches for hemangiopericytoma treatment.
Treatment options may include:
Endoscopic endonasal approach
Surgical removal of the tumor is the primary treatment.
Hemangiopericytomas of the skull base may be removed using the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). This state-of-the-art, minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to access the tumor through the natural corridor of the nose, without making an open incision. Surgeons then remove the hemangiopericytoma through the nose and nasal cavities.
EEA offers the benefits of no incisions, no disfigurement, and a faster recovery time.
If you need complementary treatments, such as radiation, those therapies can begin soon after EEA surgery.
When evaluating you for treatment, our neurosurgeons will assess your condition and determine the surgical approach that causes the least disruption to your brain, critical nerves, and ability to return to normal functioning.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a painless procedure that uses hundreds of highly focused radiation beams to target tumors and lesions within the brain, with no surgical incision.
Gamma Knife treatment may be an option for people with tumor remnants after surgery or for those who show tumor progression despite an initial multipronged treatment. Gamma Knife is used to noninvasively boost the effectiveness of radiation delivered to the hemangiopericytoma tumor.
As the nation's leading provider of Gamma Knife procedures, UPMC has treated more than 12,000 patients with tumors, vascular malformations, pain, and other neurological problems.
Our team may also perform stereotactic radiosurgery using the Cyberknife and other linear accelerator-based systems.
Radiation therapy
Surgery may be followed by radiation therapy to prevent recurrence. Radiation therapy is delivered directly to the former site of the tumor, particularly in cases where the tumor was not totally removed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be effective for treating malignant hemangiopericytomas and is often prescribed after surgery.
Why Choose UPMC for Hemangiopericytoma Care?
When you choose UPMC for hemangiopericytoma care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class neurosurgery expertise —Our world-renowned experts treat the full spectrum of skull base and neurosurgical conditions using the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer nonsurgical care and noninvasive, minimally invasive, and traditional open surgical procedures. This allows us to effectively treat all types of disorders while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — Our skull base surgeons partner with neurosurgeons, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
