Rare Encounter: Giant Hemangiopericytoma of Thigh in a Young Male

Abstract

A rare tumor called hemangiopericytoma develops from the pericytes, the cells that surround blood vessels. They frequently grow slowly and might be asymptomatic initially. Although they can develop anywhere in the body, these tumors are most frequently found in the head, pelvis, and legs. This uncommon tumor originates in soft tissues like fat, muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and other fibrous tissues. The tumor in adolescence can be benign or malignant; it frequently develops in the bones but has the potential to metastasize to the lungs. Imaging tests, such as MRIs or CT scans, are commonly used in diagnosis to determine the location and size of the tumor. We present a case of a 23-year-old male who complained of swelling in his left thigh that had persisted for two years. He underwent multiple biopsies which were inconclusive until wide local excision of the swelling was done. On histopathology, the excised tumor was suggestive of hemangiopericytoma. The patient was advised of radiotherapy for completion of the treatment.

Keywords: hemangiopericytoma; myofibromatosis; pericytes; soft tissue tumor; thigh; thigh swelling.

Figure 1. (A-D) Clinical image showing swelling over the thigh

Figure 2. (A-D) Magnetic resonance images of the tumor in the left thigh

Figure 3. Intraoperative images of Ipsilateral superficial inguinal lymph node dissection

Figure 4. Intraoperative photos of wide local excision of the tumor

Figure 5. Excised specimen of hemangiopericytoma of the thigh

Figure 6. Hematoxylin and eosin slide image of the tumor (10x)