Childhood splenic hemangiopericytoma: a previously unreported entity.

The first childhood case of splenic hemangiopericytoma in a 10-year-old boy is presented. The clinicopathologic features of this unique entity are discussed with special emphasis on differential diagnosis and treatment by comparing with the previously reported adult cases. There are no specific presumptive clinical and laboratory findings, including tumor markers and imaging techniques that distinguish hemangiopericytoma from other splenic masses. The most important diagnostic aid is to bear this entity in mind when a child presents with an unexplained splenic mass. Splenectomy associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the presence of systemic or local recurrences is mandatory for the appropriate treatment.