Hemangiopericytoma in the sacrococcygeal space: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>A hemangiopericytoma is a rare, soft-tissue tumor of vascular origin derived from a pericyte of Zimmerman, which is a modified smooth muscle cell that surrounds the small blood vessels. Hemangiopericytomas can occur wherever there are vascular capillaries. However, there are no previous reports of a hemangiopericytoma in the sacrococcygeal space.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We describe the first reported case of a hemangiopericytoma found in the sacrococcygeal space. A 47-year-old Japanese woman presented with a palpable tumor on the left side of her anus. Preoperative imaging indicated that the tumor was in the sacrococcygeal space without invasion of other organs. A complete resection was performed via a parasacral incision. The histological and immunohistochemical staining patterns supported the diagnosis of a hemangiopericytoma.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A complete resection without piecemeal excision is the best way to treat a hemangiopericytoma. Recognizing the presence of a hemangiopericytoma in the sacrococcygeal space requires appropriate surgery.</p

Moderately differentiated colorectal adenocarcinoma as a lymph node metastatic phenotype: comparison with well differentiated counterparts

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The differences between the metastatic property of moderately (Mod) and well (Wel) differentiated colorectal adenocarcinoma remain unclear. Since Mod is unable to form complete acini, therefore an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can occur in that structure. Herein, we hypothesized that Mod metastasizes more easily than the Wel counterparts.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The medical records of 283 consecutive patients with Mod (n = 71) or Wel (n = 212) who underwent surgery were reviewed between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2003, for actual 5-year overall survival. We examined the differences between the clinicopathological characteristics of the Mod and the Wel groups.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The lymph node involvement (<it>p </it>< 0.0001), lymphatic permeation, venous permeation, depth of invasion, liver metastasis, and carcinomatous peritonitis were significantly higher in the Mod group in comparison to the Wel group. The independent risk factors by a logistic regression analysis for lymph node involvement were as follows: lymphatic permeation, liver metastasis, and Mod (<it>p </it>= 0.0291, Relative Risk of 1.991: 95% Confidence Interval: 1.073-3.697). A Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that Mod had a trend towards a poor survival (<it>p </it>= 0.0517).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Mod metastasizes to the lymph nodes more easily in comparison to Wel. Therefore, patients with Mod may be considered the existence of lymph node involvement.</p