Epitheloid Angiosarcoma of the Splenic Capsula as a Result of Foreign Body Tumorigenesis. A Case Report

Abstract

A case of an epitheloid angiosarcoma of the splenic capsula is reported. This tumour developed in close relation to a gauze sponge, which was accidentally left behind 38 years earlier during a left-sided nephrectomy. The tumour probably arose from pluripotential mesothelial stem cells within the splenic capsula, with subsequent mesothelial to endothelial metaplasia and neoplastic transformation. Clinical, radiological, peroperative and pathological features of this angiosarcoma add to the validity of the concept of inert foreign body tumorigenesis.

Key Words:

• Epitheloïd angiosarcoma
• foreign body tumorigenesis
• gauze sponge
• gossypiboma
• splenic capsula
• mesenchymal stem cells

Additional information

Notes on contributors

K. Keymeulen

K. Keymeulen Doolhoflaan, 28 B-2640 Mortsel, Belgium