Proliferation index as a prognostic marker in hemangiopericytoma of the head and neck

✍ Scribed by Paul J. Kowalski; Augusto F. G. Paulino

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2001
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 255 KB
• Volume: 23
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1043-3074
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.1065

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) of the head and neck is a rare neoplasm whose biologic behavior is difficult to predict by means of conventional histologic parameters.

Methods

H & E–stained sections from 12 cases of HPC were reviewed. Proliferation index was assessed using an immunoperoxidase stain for MIB‐1 (Ki‐67).

Results

The study group consisted of 4 adult men, 5 adult women, and 1 infant male. Necrosis, hypercellularity, and pleomorphism were found in 1, 5, and 6 case(s), respectively. The mitotic index per 10 high power fields varied from 0‐1 to 15. Proliferation indices using MIB‐1 ranged from 2.6% to 52.5%. Clinical follow‐up revealed 3 cases with recurrence all possessing proliferation indices of approximately 10%.

Conclusions

Standard histomorphologic features may be inadequate predictors of clinical outcome. A proliferation index of 10% or greater may indicate a more aggressive subset of HPC of the head and neck. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 492–496, 2001.