Hemangiopericytoma is a type of malignant cancer in dogs that originates in pericyte cells. Pericytes are relatively undifferentiated connective tissue cells that circulate around blood vessels and have the potential to revert to stem cells. The pericytes are also prone to mutation.
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Identification
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Hemangiopericytoma tumors are firm, small nodules that tend to occur singly, and vary in size from 0.5 to 25 cm (approximately 10 inches). The most common sites of detection are limbs, thorax and the flank of the dog.
Features
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Hemangiopericytomas are classified as soft-tissue sarcomas and rarely metastasize.
Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian will diagnosis hemangiopericytoma by obtaining a biopsy or performing a fine needle aspiration, where he inserts a needle into the tumor to withdraw a sample of the inside material.
Treatment
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Typical treatment is complete surgical excision of the tumor. Some dogs will also require radiation, especially if the tumor is in an inoperable location. Hemangiopericytomas don't usually respond to chemotherapy, but some veterinary oncologists have had luck with intralesional chemotherapy, where the drug is injected directly into the tumor.
Prognosis
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After surgery and radiation, the median survival time is about two years, according to the veterinary medical textbook "Cancer in Dogs and Cats."
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