What Is Hemangiopericytoma?

Hemangiopericytoma is the name of a common tumor found on dogs. This tumor generally appears on your dog's limbs as a round nodule. The tumor derives from pericytes, cells that are dormant in the body. When properly diagnosed, a hemangiopericytoma can be treated, and the symptoms that it creates for your dog can be alleviated.

  1. Pericytes

    • The main cause of a hemangiopericytoma is pericytes. From the time of conception, humans and other mammals start as embryos, and embryos are made up of cells. These cells divide and develop into different tissues that make up the body as a whole. There are some cells that do not form into any tissues; instead they remain dormant in our bodies throughout adulthood until our bodies find a use for them. Cells of this type are known as pericytes.

    Tumor Formation

    • When pericytes that are associated with the blood vessels divide improperly, then chromosome damage occurs. The damage incurred causes the pericytes to form tumors in your dog's body, instead of useful tissue.

    Differentiation

    • A hemangiopericytoma is different than a cancerous tumor. A cancerous tumor is associated with spreading throughout the body, whereas a hemangiopericytoma remains stabilized in one location. It does sometimes recur in the same part of the body if it is removed, just as cancerous tumors do.

    Symptoms and Diagnosis

    • A hemangiopericytoma can develop in the deepest tissues underneath your dog's skin, and in the deepest layer of the skin. The tumor appears as a solid lump on the skin that is not very distinguished from the other skin around it. Sometimes the fur that covers the lump will fall off. For diagnosis, your veterinarian will feel around the tumor area to verify what tissues are affected. From this, your vet can make an inconclusive diagnosis. Taking a sample of the cells in the tumor and having them analyzed is the only way to deliver a definite diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • There are several treatment options available to treat these types of tumors. Radiation therapy is an option that offers an 80 to 90 percent cure rate. The tumor must be completely removed for radiation to be effective. Another option is to remove the tumor without following up with radiation. In this instance, you will watch for a recurring growth of the tumor, and have it removed accordingly. Amputation of the infected limb is another option that seems extreme; however, since a hemangiopericytoma does not spread to other parts of the body, removing the limb will eliminate the chances of a recurrence.