Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma is a uncommon type of cancer. It starts in the thin lining of blood vessels and the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of your body's defense against illness. These vessels collect germs, viruses, and waste from your body and get rid of them.

This cancer can develop practically anywhere in the body. However, it's most frequently found in the skin of the head and neck. Sometimes, it appears in the skin of other body parts, like the breast. It can also form in deeper tissues, such as the liver or the heart. People who have had radiation therapy in the past may be at a slightly increased risk of developing angiosarcoma in the area that was treated.

Angiosarcoma symptoms can differ depending on the location of the cancer.

If you're experiencing any ongoing health problems that concern you, schedule a visit with your doctor.

Understanding Angiosarcoma: What We Know and Don't Know

Most cases of angiosarcoma, a type of cancer, don't have a clear cause. Scientists have, however, identified certain things that might make a person more likely to develop it.

Angiosarcoma starts when cells that line blood vessels or lymph vessels (tiny tubes that carry fluid throughout the body) experience changes in their DNA. Think of DNA as a cell's instruction manual. These changes, called mutations, tell the cells to grow and divide much faster than normal. Crucially, these mutations also cause the cells to ignore signals that would normally tell them to die, leading to their uncontrolled growth.

This rapid, uncontrolled growth results in a buildup of abnormal cells. These cancer cells can push beyond the original blood vessel or lymph vessel, invading and damaging healthy tissue around them. Over time, some of these cancer cells can break off and travel to other parts of the body, where they can form new tumors, a process called metastasis.

Angiosarcoma is a rare cancer. Several things can increase your chance of getting it.

• Radiation Treatment: If you've had radiation therapy to treat cancer or another illness, your risk of angiosarcoma might be higher. Radiation therapy, while often crucial for fighting cancer, can sometimes lead to this rare side effect.

• Swelling (Lymphedema): If your lymphatic system gets blocked or damaged, it can cause a buildup of fluid, leading to swelling called lymphedema. This can happen after surgery, especially if lymph nodes are removed. Removing lymph nodes is a common part of cancer treatment. But, lymphedema can also result from infections or other medical conditions. This swelling increases your risk of angiosarcoma.

• Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Some chemicals, like vinyl chloride and arsenic, are linked to liver angiosarcoma. This means that if you've been exposed to high levels of these chemicals, you might be at a higher risk.

• Inherited Gene Changes: Certain genetic conditions can increase your risk of angiosarcoma. Some examples include inherited changes in genes associated with conditions like neurofibromatosis, Maffucci syndrome, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, or even the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (which are more commonly known for their association with breast and ovarian cancers). If you have a family history of these conditions, it's important to discuss your risk with your doctor.

It's crucial to remember that these factors don't guarantee you'll get angiosarcoma. If you have concerns about your risk, talk to your doctor. They can assess your individual situation and help you understand your specific risk factors.

Diagnosing angiosarcoma involves several steps:

• Physical Checkup: Your doctor will carefully examine you to understand your symptoms and overall health. This helps them identify any unusual signs or areas of concern.

• Tissue Sample (Biopsy): If your doctor suspects angiosarcoma, they might need to take a small sample of the suspicious tissue. This is called a biopsy. The tissue sample is sent to a lab for examination under a microscope. Lab tests can identify the presence of cancer cells. More specialized tests can reveal specific characteristics of the cancer cells, like their type and how quickly they're growing. This information is crucial for treatment planning.

• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, like MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans, help doctors see the size and location of the cancer. These tests can also show if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The specific imaging tests used will depend on the individual's situation and the suspected location of the angiosarcoma. For example, an MRI might be better for looking at soft tissues, while a CT scan might be better for showing the relationship of the cancer to surrounding organs. A PET scan can help pinpoint areas of active cancer growth.