Angiosarcoma

Origin and causes

Angiosarcoma is a cancer that originates from the tissues covering the inside of blood vessels and can occur in any part of the body. It affects women and men of all backgrounds and ages. Skin angiosarcoma affecting the scalp and face is the most common presentation of this disease. About 25% of cases occur in deep tissues and 8% in the breast. In the majority of cases, the cause of angiosarcoma is unknown. However, chronic edema and prior exposure to radiation therapy may contribute to its development.

 

Symptoms and signs

Cutaneous angiosarcoma can present in various ways, which sometimes leads to delayed diagnoses. It can present as a skin ulcer that does not heal, a bruise, or cellulitis (skin infection). Any skin lesion appearing in a place treated by radiation therapy such as the breast deserves to be investigated. Deep tissue angiosarcomas (spleen, liver, intestines) may present as a mass or pain. Angiosarcoma may sometimes present with metastasis to the lung and liver, that is, when the cancer leaves the site of origin to affect other organs.

 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis begins with a biopsy of the suspected area. The investigation can be completed with a CT Scan, PET-Scan or MRI.

 

Treatment

When angiosarcoma is localized, the treatment of choice is surgery to remove it all. In some cases, radiation therapy before or after surgery may be necessary.

 

In the case where metastases are found, chemotherapy is offered with the goal of controlling symptoms and disease progression. The agents of choice are doxorubicin, paclitaxel, liposomal doxorubicin, gemcitabine, and pazopanib. Clinical trials may also be explored.

 

Follow-up

After surgery, angiosarcoma patients will be closely monitored due to the risk of recurrence (when the cancer returns).