In angiosarcoma, cells that line blood vessels and lymph vessels are affected, causing the cancer to be rare and aggressive. In addition to affected skin on the head and neck, it is also commonly found on the deep tissues of the liver, heart, and other organs. However, it can occur anywhere in the body.
The exact cause of angiosarcoma is unknown, but some factors may increase the risk of developing this disease. These include:
Previous radiation therapy for cancer or other conditions
Lymphedema, which is swelling caused by a blockage or damage of the lymph vessels
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic, vinyl chloride, or thorium dioxide
Pre-existing lesions or wounds on the skin
The symptoms and signs of angiosarcoma depend on the location and size of the tumor. If the tumor is on the skin, it may appear as:
A purple or red area that looks like a bruise
A sore or ulcer that does not heal and may bleed easily
A lump or bump that is soft and may grow over time
Swelling or pain in the affected area
If the tumor is in the deep tissues, such as the liver or heart, it may cause:
Pain or discomfort in the abdomen or chest
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes
Fluid buildup in the abdomen or legs
To diagnose angiosarcoma, the doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history and symptoms. The doctor may also order some tests, such as:
Imaging tests, such as MRI, CT, or PET scan, to see the location and extent of the tumor and check if it has spread to other parts of the body
Biopsy, which is the removal of a small sample of tissue from the tumor for microscopic examination and confirmation of the diagnosis
Blood tests, to check the levels of certain substances in the blood that may indicate the presence of cancer
A variety of treatment options are available for angiosarcoma depending on its stage, location, and size, as well as the patient's overall health.
It is the most effective way to treat angiosarcoma, but may not be possible if the tumor is too large or has spread to other organs.
An alternative to surgery if the tumor cannot be removed is radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells.
The purpose of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or by injection and may be combined with radiation therapy. However, chemotherapy can also cause side effects, such as nausea, hair loss, or fatigue, along with shrinking or slowing down the tumor's growth.
Drugs that target and block specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells are referred to as targeted therapy. A targeted therapy may be used to treat some types of angiosarcoma that have specific genetic mutations or markers. While targeted therapy may have fewer side effects, it may also result in resistance or intolerance.
There is no sure way to prevent angiosarcoma, but some steps may help reduce the risk or detect it early. These include:
Avoiding or limiting exposure to radiation or chemicals that may cause cancer
Treating or preventing lymphedema, which may involve wearing compression garments, exercising, or taking medications
Checking the skin regularly for any changes or abnormalities, and reporting them to the doctor
Seeking medical attention promptly if any symptoms or signs of angiosarcoma are noticed
Angiosarcoma typically has a poor outlook due to its late diagnosis and tendency to recur or spread. Several factors affect the patient's survival rate, including the stage, location, and size of the tumor, the response to treatment, and the patient's overall health. Angiosarcoma has a five-year survival rate of about 30%, but this varies widely from case to case.
