HEMANGIOENDOTHELIOMA OF SKIN WITH METASTASIS TO LIVER, LUNGS AND LYMPH NODES

Abstract

HEMANGIOENDOTHELIOMAS are angiomatous tumors with definite evidence of malignant features, which tend to form imperfect capillaries or grow diffusely. They are composed of small channels within groups of endothelial cells, and their characteristic feature is the preponderance of cells over vessels. The name hemangioendothelioma was suggested in 1908 by Mallory. The tumor may occur on any part of the skin and may be surrounded by satellite lesions. It often ulcerates and bleeds profusely. It is described as not being tender; it is often attached to underlying tissues. The tumor is said to have a characteristic color indicative of blood spaces. The origin of the hemangiomas and hemangioendotheliomas is essentially the same as that of blood vessels in general. The angioblastic cells from the vascular layer of the mesenchyma lay down solid cords and islands which later unite to form continuous tubes. The clinical picture of hemangioendothelioma is