Angiosarcoma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Angiosarcoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. When it affects the skin, it typically appears as a bruise-like mark that expands over time.
The head and neck are the most common sites, though it can occasionally develop in other skin areas such as the breast. This condition requires prompt medical attention as early detection can improve outcomes.
Signs and Warning Signals
Skin-Related Symptoms
Skin-based angiosarcoma typically appears on the head and neck area, especially on the scalp. Watch for these warning signs:
- A raised skin patch that resembles a bruise
- A bruise-like spot that expands over time
- Bleeding from the affected area when touched
- Puffiness or swelling around the lesion
These skin symptoms may start small but often grow larger if not treated promptly. The discoloration might look purple or reddish, similar to a bruise.
Internal Organ Symptoms
When angiosarcoma develops in organs like the liver or heart, pain is usually the main symptom. Other signs vary depending on which organ is affected:
- Persistent pain in the affected area
- Unusual swelling
- Changes in organ function
- Unexplained weight loss
Internal symptoms might not be noticeable until the condition has advanced.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice symptoms that don’t go away and cause you concern, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Don’t ignore ongoing health issues that worry you.
Causes
The exact cause of most angiosarcomas remains unknown. These rare cancers begin when DNA changes occur in cells lining blood or lymph vessels. These genetic mutations create abnormal instructions that cause cells to:
- Multiply rapidly
- Survive when they should naturally die
- Grow beyond vessel boundaries
- Invade nearby healthy tissue
Over time, these cancer cells may:
- Form masses or tumors
- Destroy surrounding tissue
- Potentially spread to distant body areas
Scientists have identified several risk factors that might increase someone’s chances of developing this disease. These risk factors don’t directly cause angiosarcoma but may contribute to the DNA changes that lead to cancer formation.
Risk Factors
Several factors may raise the risk of developing angiosarcoma:
- Previous radiation therapy for cancer or other conditions can sometimes lead to angiosarcoma as a rare side effect.
- Lymphedema (swelling from blocked lymph fluid) is caused by damaged lymph vessels or removed lymph nodes during surgery. People with lymphedema often develop it after cancer treatments that remove lymph nodes. The condition can also result from infections affecting the lymphatic system.
- Chemical exposure, particularly to substances like vinyl chloride and arsenic, has been linked to liver angiosarcoma. Chemical exposure risks are most common in industrial settings where these substances are used or produced.
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Genetic conditions that increase risk include:
- Neurofibromatosis
- Maffucci Syndrome
- Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Genetic syndromes that increase risk are typically present from birth, while gene mutations like BRCA can be inherited from parents.
