Hemagiopericytoma and solitary fibrous tumor: a diagnostic consideration

Authors :

• Pornpop Rattana-arpha D.D.S., Grad. Dip. (Oral and Maxillofucial Radiology), Higher Grad. Dip. (Oral Pathology)
• Ekarat Phattarataratip D.D.S., Ph.D., Diplomate American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Diplomate, Thai Board of Oral Diagnostic Science

Abstract :

Hemangiopericytoma is regarded as a benign neoplasm originating from the pericyte, a contractile
cell surrounding small blood vessels. Historically, the histopathologic diagnosis of
hemangiopericytoma was based solely on the presence of thin-walled staghorn branching vessels
surrounded by numerous round-to-spindle monomorphic tumor cells. However, more studies have
emerged raising the skepticism of the nature of the pericyte itself as well as the existence of this tumor.
Current concept of the diagnosis of this tumor has significantly changed as acknowledged by the recent
WHO classification of soft tissue tumors. Most tumors previously diagnosed as hemangiopericytoma
were reclassified into other tumor groups, the most important of which is solitary fibrous tumor. In this
review, controversial issues regarding hemangiopericytoma are discussed. The general characteristics
as well as oral manifestations of all reported solitary fibrous tumor cases are presented.

(CU Dent J. 2013;36:129-42)

Keywords :
hemangiopericytoma; pericyte; solitary fibrous tumor