Jugular Foramen Hemangiopericytoma

Epidemiology

Hemangiopericytomas are vascular tumors that occur mainly in adults. In the pediatric age group, these tumors are almost exclusively seen below the age of 1 year. Hemangiopericytomas represent 1% of all vasoformative tumors and most of them occur in the extremities and retroperitoneum whereas 20% occur in the head and neck region. They may be found in the sinonasal area, orbit, lacrimal sac, or jugular foramen. About 50% of cases are malignant, and distant metastasis, although rare, may occur, especially to the lungs.

Clinical Findings

Patients with sinonasal tumors usually present with a history of epistaxis, nasal obstruction, or discharge. Facial pain may be related to associated paranasal sinusitis secondary to tumor obstructing the drainage pathways. Patients with a jugular foramen lesion may present with pain or cranial nerve palsies.