A Simple Guide to PECOMA Cancer

A Simple Guide to PECOMA Cancer
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What are PECOMA Cancer?
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Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a neoplasm composed chiefly of HMB-45-positive(a marker which is relatively specific for melanoma) epithelioid cells with clear to granular cytoplasm and a perivascular distribution.
Such tumors have been reported in different organs

Although rare, only 20 + cases worldwide, PEC tumors (PEComas) should be regarded as a tumor of uncertain malignant potential.

Who is at risk of getting PECOMA Cancers?
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The median patient age was 46 years (range, 15-97 years).

There is a marked female predominance (22 females, 4 males).

Sites of involvement included

1.the omentum or mesentery (6 cases),

2.uterus (4 cases),

3.pelvic soft tissues (3 cases),

4.abdominal wall (2 cases),

5.uterine cervix (2 cases),

6.vagina,(1 case).

7.retroperitoneum,(1 case).

8.thigh,(1 case).

9.falciform ligament,(1 case).

10.scalp,(1 case).

11.broad ligament,(1 case).

12.forearm, (1 case).

13.shoulder,(1 case).

14.neck (1 case).

The tumors ranged from 1.6 to 29 cm in size (median, 7.8 cm).

Tumors were
1.epithelioid (N = 9),

2.spindled (N = 7), or

3.mixed (N = 10).

What are the Symptoms of Pecoma Cancer?
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Among the common warning signs are:

1.weight loss,

2.pain in the bones

3.swelling of lymph nodes

4.Persistent fever

5.loss of appetite

6.generalised weakness and pallour

What are the Causes of Pecoma Cancer?
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Unknown.

Certain genetic abnormalities may be present.

They are more common in women.

How do you diagnose Pecoma Cancer?
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1.HMB-45-positive(a marker which is relatively specific for melanoma)is present in all cases

2.Perivascular epithelioid cell present on biopsy

What is the Treatment of Pecoma Cancer?
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The onset of PEComa Cancer has been known to be very rapid.

Because of its vascular origin, it can spread very fast.

Surgery will be useful if detected at the early stage.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the main treatment for Pecoma cancer.

Besides these treatments, stem cells infusion also give patients and their families another source for a cure.

What are the Prognosis for Pecoma Cancer?
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Generally poor because onset is fast and spread diffuse.