[Malignant hemangioendothelioma: its microscopic structure, tissue markers and place among the soft-tissue sarcomas]

108 tumors reckoned in the file of the N. N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology as vascular neoplasms were studied microscopically and histochemically. Malignant hemangioendotheliomas showed formation of vascular structures (a microscopic sign) and expression of specific markers of the endothelium, viz. clotting factor VIII and Ulex Europaeus lectin (immunohistochemical signs). Expression of these signs is determined by degree of tumor differentiation. According to these pathognomonic criteria, only 24 tumors observed at the Institute during 53 years proved hemangioendotheliomas.