[Epithelial sarcoma. Three case reports with a review of literature (author's transl)].

Starting from three own cases of an epithelioid sarcoma, the literature about this type of tumor is discussed. It occurs in males nearly three times as often as in females, with the maximum frequency between 20 and 29 years of age. Finger, hand, wrist and forearm are preferably affected with the epitheloid sarcoma. The microscopic features are: nodular growth, necroses and hemorrhages within the nodules, the tumor tissue consisting of spindle-type and epitheloid cells with spaces in between, and lymphocyte infiltrates and siderin deposits at the periphery. The neoplasm's cytogenesis is not known. With regard to the tumor, the differential diagnosis should make a clear-cut distinction particularly between inflammatory granulomas and benignant neoplasms. The tumor trends to reactivation to a large extent. Metastases are both lymphogenous and hematogenous. A radical surgical removal is strongly recommended.