Angiosarcoma
| Overview |
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- Angiosarcomas are a rare but highly malignant tumors of endothelial cells.
| Morphology |
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- Cells can range widely in differentiation from those that look like typical endothelial cells forming recognizable vascular channels, similar to those found in hemangiomas, to highly anaplastic spindle-shaped cells that form solid sheets. Tumors may begin as small, demarcated, red nodules but eventually can transform into large, un-demarcated, soft masses.
| Location |
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- Angiosarcomas can occur in the skin or breast. Development in the liver is termed "Hepatic Angiosarcoma". Although Hepatic Angiosarcoma is extremely rare it is associated with exposure to a variety of specific carcinogens including polyvinyl chloride, arsenic, and thorotrast, a radiocontrast reagent.
| Clinical Course |
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- Local invasion and metastasis is common. Few patients survive beyond 5 years.