The OSUCCC – James is a leading provider of comprehensive cancer care in central Ohio. We see and treat some of the world’s rarest forms of cancer, including sarcomas. Whether you or a loved one are possibly facing an angiosarcoma diagnosis, our leading team of experts will help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options. We know you didn’t choose cancer, but you have a choice in where you’re treated. Home to central Ohio’s only Sarcoma Clinic, the OSUCCC – James is staffed with experts locally to help you every step of the way.
What is angiosarcoma?
Angiosarcoma is a very rare type of sarcoma that occurs in the inner lining of the body’s blood vessels and lymph vessels. About one person in 1 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with an angiosarcoma. The cancer is more common in adults over the age of 60 but it can happen at any age. The cancer can form most anywhere in the body, but it most frequently occurs in the head, neck or torso.
Angiosarcoma symptoms
Symptoms of angiosarcomas will vary depending on the cancer’s location, most notably on the skin or organs. Not everyone who develops the cancer will have symptoms. It’s important to note that these symptoms can also indicate other issues, not necessarily cancer, so be sure to contact your doctor if you have specific concerns.
Symptoms of angiosarcoma of the skin may include:
- Patches of skin that appear bruised or changes in skin color (usually purple-red)
- Lesions or cuts that bleed easily
- Appearance of rashes
- Skin changes in an area of previous radiation or lymphedema
For angiosarcoma of organs, symptoms may include:
- Joint stiffness
- Pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away
- Skin changes in an area of previous radiation or lymphedema
- Limited mobility
- Unexplained swelling
- Lumps or bumps that don’t go away
There are several other conditions that may also have these symptoms. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms that do not go away.
Angiosarcoma causes and risk factors
Researchers know that angiosarcomas form in the lining of the blood and lymph vessels. However, the exact cause of the cancer is unknown.
An angiosarcoma occurs when cells in the blood or lymph vessels grow out of control and die quickly. Normal blood and lymph vessel cells contain instructions (called DNA) to help them regenerate at a healthy pace. Over time, it is thought the DNA can change, resulting in unhealthy cells. The cells can grow out of control, invading the blood and lymph vessels and possibly other areas, resulting in cancer.
While there is no known exact cause for angiosarcoma, there are some risk factors that may increase the likelihood you could develop it. A risk factor is anything that may increase the likelihood of you developing a specific cancer like angiosarcoma.
It’s important to remember that just because you have some risk factors doesn’t mean you will develop the cancer. Risk factors may be things you can influence, while there are some factors you can’t influence.
Some possible risk factors for angiosarcoma include:
- Previous radiation therapy: Treatment for other cancers, such as breast cancer or Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with exposure to radiation therapy can put you at an increased risk for developing an angiosarcoma.
- Lymphedema: Excessive swelling in the lymphatic system can lead to an increased risk of developing angiosarcoma.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: There are chemicals that have been linked to angiosarcomas, including arsenic and vinyl chloride.
- Genetic/hereditary background: Angiosarcomas can run in families and may increase the chance you could be at risk for developing angiosarcoma.
It’s important to talk to your doctor to understand your risk of developing angiosarcoma.
How angiosarcoma is diagnosed
If your doctor thinks you or a loved one may have angiosarcoma, they may order a series of tests, including imaging tests or biopsies. Your doctor will also do tests to evaluate if your tumor has moved or exists in any other site.
A radiologist will read any imaging report, like those captured through a computed tomography (CT) scan, and provide the results to your referring doctor. A pathologist will examine and classify any biopsies taken during a procedure and will communicate that back to your doctor as well.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed for angiosarcoma, your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan. Experts at the OSUCCC – James are experienced in treating sarcomas and will work with you to determine the best treatments for your specific needs.
Angiosarcoma treatment
Angiosarcomas can be treated in different ways. Due to the rarity of this cancer, your doctors may recommend one or a combination of treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or surgery based on their findings to ensure the cancer is treated appropriately. You may also qualify to enroll in a clinical trial at the OSUCCC – James.
Surgery
Most often, angiosarcoma is treated with surgery. An OSUCCC – James surgical oncologist will review your imaging and biopsy results to determine which surgical procedure will work best for your case. The surgical oncologist will try to remove as much of the angiosarcoma as possible, but sometimes this may not be possible due to the tumor’s size or location.
Radiation therapy
In the event your angiosarcoma can’t be removed with a surgical procedure or if your oncologist wants to prevent the cancer from coming back after surgery, the doctor may recommend radiation therapy to keep the cancer from returning or spreading. Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to kill the cancerous cells in and around the angiosarcoma.
Chemotherapy
Your doctor may recommend specific chemotherapies that are delivered through a vein (IV) to help shrink the size of the angiosarcoma. The oncologist may also recommend chemotherapy when surgery is not a good option.
Clinical trials
Your treatment will be dependent on the type and location of your angiosarcoma. Researchers at the OSUCCC – James work tirelessly to understand rare cancers and to develop cutting-edge treatments. To make these discoveries, clinical trials play an important part in the development of groundbreaking cancer research and new treatments.
At any time, our researchers are conducting over 500 clinical trials. The OSUCCC – James is one of only a few comprehensive cancer centers funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs. This means that for rare cancers like angiosarcoma we can study novel treatments and potentially make them available to others sooner.
If you’ve been diagnosed with angiosarcoma, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a sarcoma specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Additional Resources
Types of SarcomaBone and Spine Sarcoma
Prevention
Screening and Diagnosis
Clinical Trials