Angiosarcoma

Definition

Definition of Angiosarcoma
An angiosarcoma (AS) is an uncommon malignant neoplasms characterized by rapidly proliferating, extensively infiltrating anaplastic cells derived from blood vessels and lining irregular blood-filled spaces. Specialists apply the term angiosarcoma to a wide range of malignant endothelial vascular neoplasms that affect a variety of sites. Angiosarcomas are aggressive and tend to recur locally, spread widely, and have a high rate of lymph node and systemic metastases. The rate of tumor-related death is high.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Angiosarcoma

1. The most common locations for angiosarcomas are the breasts, skin, deep tissue, and the liver. These tumors, however, have the ability to occur almost anywhere.
2. Most cutaneous angiosarcomas (angiosarcomas of the skin) are found on the face and scalp. It is estimated that 60% of all angriosarcomas are of the cutaneous variety.
3. Another 25% of these growths are called soft-tissue angiosarcomas.
4. 8% are angiosarcomas of the breast.
5. Between 1 and 2% of all sarcomas are of the angiosarcoma subtype.

Causes

Causes of Angiosarcoma
Causes of most angiosarcomas are unknown. Hemangiosarcomas are commonly associated with toxic exposure to thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), vinyl chloride, and arsenic. Stewart-Treves syndrome is a form of hemangiosarcoma due to lymphedema, usually following mastectomy and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Exposure to vinyl chloride used in polymerization in the plastic industry can lead to angiosarcomas of liver and soft tissue. Though exposure to these pre-conditions or environmental toxins may have occurred thirty years ago, people can still develop these cancerous tumors.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Angiosarcoma
Little or nothing is often ascertained through blood work regarding the detection of angiosarcoma. To locate and determine the extent of the tumor's growth, technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT scan), radiography, and bone scanning are employed. An analysis of the results from these imaging technologies is the primary diagnostic tool for physicians looking for angiosarcomas.

Treatment

Treatment of Angiosarcoma
Angiosarcomas develop so gradually that they are often well established by the time of diagnosis. Diseases such as this are defined by the term insidious. Furthermore, this sarcoma subtype does not respond well to most traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, steroid administration, and a variety of commonly employed drug therapies. To amplify the complications associated with angiosarcoma, only 20 to 60 cases are diagnosed annually. Thus, the combination of aggressive growth, few treatment options, and extreme rarity makes angiosarcoma one of the deadliest cancers.

This cancer is rarely detected early in its development, but when early detection occurs, such cases may respond well to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Even so, most treatments of this cancer are not intended to be curative. Medications are often prescribed to reduce symptoms such as fatigue, anemia, and pains. Various surgeries are usually performed to promote a healthy appearance and a more comfortable day-to-day life for the patient.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Angiosarcoma
Angiosarcomas typically carry with them a high death rate and short survival time. Due to the disease's rarity, it is difficult to assess statistical findings and research, but studies indicate that most people survive for 15 to 24 months after the development of angiosarcoma. However, up to 33% of patients could survive for as many as 5 years.

Prevention

Prevention of Angiosarcoma
Consult with your doctor.