Primary Hemangiopericytoma of the Lung

Abstract

Hemangiopericytoma is a rare tumor, arising from pericytes. Its outcome is difficult to foretell, as the usual criteria for malignancy are unreliable in this neoplasm. Three cases of primary pulmonary hemangioperi-cytoma are presented and the pathologic and clinical aspects are briefly reviewed. All three patients were surgically treated, and two are still alive after 7 and 18 years without sign of recurrence or metastasis. The third patient, although still alive, has had three recurrences within 22 months and vertebral metastasis.

Key Words:

• hemangiopericytoma
• pulmonary neoplasm
• pericyte