Hemangiopericytomas are a rare type of tumor and may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). If classified as a soft tissue sarcoma, a type of cancer, they occur in less than half a percent of all cancer diagnoses. Experts at the OSUCCC – James know that if you or a loved one are facing a hemangiopericytoma diagnosis, you will want an experienced team to help you through this time. Our sarcoma specialists research and develop cutting-edge therapies to help you with an optimized treatment plan.
What is hemangiopericytoma?
Hemangiopericytomas are tumors that originate in the body’s soft tissues and surrounding blood vessels. These tumors can form most anywhere in your body where blood vessels occur. However, most commonly they are found around the head and neck area. They are often in the skull base, and if cancerous, hemangiopericytomas are a soft tissue sarcoma. If the tumors develop in the nasal cavity, they are called glomangiopericytomas. The tumors are slow growing. Hemangiopericytomas can occur in children but are more likely to occur in adults.
Hemangiopericytoma symptoms
Not all hemangiopericytomas will have symptoms. Most tumors are painless with no associated symptoms.
However, when symptoms are present, you may have:
- An unexplained bump or lump
- Pain, pressure or swelling around the bump
If a hemangiopericytoma is occurs around the skull base, symptoms may include some neurological disturbances. A person diagnosed with glomangiopericytoma may experience pain in the nasal cavity.
If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out causes.
Hemangiopericytoma causes and risk factors
At this time, there are no exact known causes why you may develop a hemangiopericytoma.
However, there are some potential risk factors that may increase the likelihood you could develop the tumor. A risk factor is anything that may increase your chances of developing something like hemangiopericytoma. There are some risks factors you can influence and others you can’t.
Factors you can control
There are no known risk factors that you can control to lessen the chances you develop this tumor type. However, preventive measures such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and seeing your doctor for regular checkups may be helpful.
Factors you can’t control
You can’t always control every risk factor you may have for certain diagnoses. For hemangiopericytomas, there are a few factors that may influence whether you are at an increased risk for developing the tumors.
- Hereditary causes: Some research suggests that hereditary (genetic) factors may play a role in the development of a hemangiopericytoma.
- Environmental causes: These include exposure to certain chemicals, such as herbicides and vinyl chloride.
Hemangiopericytoma diagnosis
If your physician determines that you may have a hemangiopericytoma, they may order a series of imaging tests and/or may order a biopsy too.
Some of the tests include:
- X-ray
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Computer tomography (CT) scan
Depending on the location and size of the tumor, your doctor may also want to order a biopsy in specific situations. A biopsy can help confirm a diagnosis of a hemangiopericytoma.
Hemangiopericytoma treatment options
If a diagnosis is made, the OSUCCC – James team of experts will work with you to create a customized treatment plan.
You may receive one treatment or a combination of treatments, including primary surgical resection, possibly followed by radiation, depending on tumor behavior and grade.
Glomangiopericytomas are considered “tumors of uncertain malignant behavior,” meaning that most of the time, they behave as a benign but destructive tumor. They rarely spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).
Typically, complete surgical removal is the most important part of treating these tumors. Since the origin for hemangiopericytoma is blood vessels, surgery can often be complicated by significant bleeding, and an experienced surgical team like ours at the OSUCCC – James is critical to provide the best outcome.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a hemangiopericytoma, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a head and neck oncology specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Additional Resources
Types of Sarcoma
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Screening and Diagnosis
Clinical Trials