Do you also want to know about the dangerous cancer called Angiosarcoma?

Have you ever heard of the name Angiosarcoma? Probably not. Because this is a rare type of cancer, that is, a type of cancer that is rarely seen. But it is very important for us to be aware of things like this. Because, this is a cancer that can be quite serious and spread quickly. So let's talk about this in detail and simply today.

What is Angiosarcoma?

Simply put, angiosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that starts in the inner lining of your blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. Think of it like a network of these vessels throughout our bodies. So this cancer can develop anywhere in the body where these vessels are located.

However, it is most often seen on the skin of the head, neck, or breasts. We call it cutaneous angiosarcoma. In addition, it can also develop in internal organs such as the heart (cardiac angiosarcoma), liver, and spleen, but it is a little less common.

It's normal to feel shocked and scared when you find out you have angiosarcoma. This can be a serious and difficult cancer to treat. But that doesn't mean you have no options. Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment options for your situation.

How common is this situation?

Angiosarcomas are a very rare type of soft tissue sarcoma. Soft tissue sarcomas are also a rare type of tumor. Just think, even in a country like America, angiosarcomas occur in about one in a million people each year. They most commonly develop on your skin, especially on your scalp.

What are the symptoms?

Angiosarcoma symptoms vary depending on where in the body it is affected. For example, angiosarcoma that occurs on the skin (including the scalp, face, neck, and breasts) may have symptoms such as:

• They start as small red or blue bumps , then gradually spread, become larger, and begin to bleed easily.
• A purple area of ​​skin, similar to a rash or bruise. It may also be scaly on the surface.
• A wound that doesn't heal, or a wound that gets bigger little by little.

If you have angiosarcoma in an internal organ, such as your liver, you may not notice any symptoms until the tumor has grown large enough to affect the function of that organ. Or, the tumor may push on nearby structures. Symptoms of angiosarcoma in an internal organ may include:

• Extreme fatigue.
• Pain in the affected area.
• Malaise, a feeling of discomfort.
• Weight loss for no reason.
• Difficulty breathing (this is the most common symptom of cardiac angiosarcoma).
• Jaundice and persistent pain in the upper left abdomen (these may be signs of hepatic angiosarcoma).

Is Angiosarcoma painful?

Angiosarcoma may or may not cause pain. For example, angiosarcomas that develop in your liver or spleen may cause pain in the upper abdomen. But that's usually only after the tumor has grown larger and the disease has progressed. Angiosarcomas that develop in the skin may not be painful at all. Instead, they may look like a non-healing, spreading bruise.

Why does Angiosarcoma develop?

Angiosarcoma is caused by the cells that line the inside of your blood vessels changing from normal cells to abnormal cells. Unlike normal cells, these cancer cells do not die. Instead, they continue to make more cells, eventually forming tumors. These cancer cells continue to grow from the affected blood vessels. Often, they spread to other parts of the body.

What are the risk factors?

Researchers have identified several factors that increase the risk of developing angiosarcoma. These are:

• Age and gender: Although angiosarcoma can develop at any age, it is more common in people over the age of 60. Men are more likely to develop primary angiosarcoma than women.
• Radiation therapy: Sometimes angiosarcoma is a secondary cancer. This means that it develops several years (usually about 8-10 years) after radiation therapy for another type of cancer (most often breast cancer).
• Exposure to chemicals: Hepatic angiosarcoma is associated with exposure to chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride, arsenic, and thorium dioxide. Sometimes, angiosarcoma does not appear until 10-40 years after this exposure.
• Chronic lymphedema: About 5% of all angiosarcomas are associated with a form of chronic (long-lasting) lymphedema called Stewart-Treves syndrome. This most commonly affects women who have had a mastectomy and lymph node dissection for breast cancer treatment.
• Genetic disorders: About 3% of all angiosarcomas occur in people with conditions that are caused by genetic disorders. Specific conditions include bilateral retinoblastoma, Maffucci syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

How do you recognize this?

A doctor will first examine you physically and talk about your symptoms. They will also ask about your medical history. For example, if you have previously had radiation therapy or have a job that involves a lot of exposure to certain chemicals, the doctor may suspect angiosarcoma.

Next, imaging tests may be done to see the size and location of the tumor. CT scan, MRI, and PET scan are the most common tests used to diagnose angiosarcoma. If your doctor suspects breast angiosarcoma, you may need to have a mammogram or ultrasound. If your doctor suspects cardiac angiosarcoma, you may need to have a transesophageal echocardiogram.

Finally, you will need to have a biopsy . This involves a doctor taking small samples of your tissue, fluid, and cells. These samples are sent to a lab, where a pathologist examines them to see if they contain cancer cells. A lab test called immunohistochemistry can confirm whether you have angiosarcoma.

Stages of Angiosarcoma

Cancer staging helps doctors classify how serious the cancer is and how far it has spread. Angiosarcomas are staged on a scale from stage I (one) to IV (four). Stage I means the tumor has not spread beyond where it started. Stage IV means it has spread to distant parts of the body. Because angiosarcomas are aggressive, fast-growing cancers, they are often already spread (that is, they are at an advanced stage) by the time they are diagnosed. They most often spread to the lungs.

Knowing the stage of your cancer helps your doctor decide which treatments will help you live longer.

How is it treated?

Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment for angiosarcoma. Doctors may recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or kill any remaining cancer cells.

New cancer treatments, such as targeted therapy drugs and immunotherapy, are currently being developed to fight angiosarcoma. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend one of these treatments or a clinical trial that tests new cancer treatments.

Can this be prevented?

You can't prevent all the factors that cause angiosarcoma. For example, you can't stop yourself from inheriting a genetic condition or having to undergo radiation therapy for cancer. However, there are things you can do to reduce some of your risk of developing angiosarcoma, such as limiting your exposure to certain toxic chemicals.

What happens if I have Angiosarcoma?

Because angiosarcomas start in your blood vessels, they can spread very quickly. Once they spread, angiosarcomas are very difficult to treat. Even if they go away after treatment, they are more likely to recur.

Doctors are finding more effective ways to treat angiosarcoma. However, survival rates are still low. Only about 35% of people diagnosed with angiosarcoma are alive five years after diagnosis.

It's normal to feel scared when hearing information like this. But the most important thing is to understand the situation and follow medical advice.

How do I take care of myself?

Angiosarcoma is a fast-growing cancer. You can take care of yourself, take it easy, and take it easy. Give yourself time to understand what's happening to your body. Talk to your doctor about things you can do to support your treatment. Here are some suggestions that may help:

• Try to reduce your stress. If you're feeling stressed after your diagnosis, you're not alone. Cancer is stressful. Things like meditation, relaxation exercises, and deep breathing can help.
• Allow yourself to rest. You may feel very tired, "tired," after your cancer treatment. Try to get as much rest as possible.
• Try to eat healthy meals regularly. Your treatment may affect your appetite. Try to eat nutritious foods (don't skip meals). If you have difficulty eating, talk to a dietitian.
• Connect with others. Dealing with cancer can feel lonely, especially with a rare cancer like angiosarcoma. Ask your doctor to connect you with support groups where you can share your feelings with people who understand.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if you notice any changes in your skin (especially bumps or sores that don't heal on your scalp, face, or neck). Also tell your doctor if you notice any new bruising, such as where you previously had radiation therapy.

If you are already being treated for angiosarcoma, call your doctor if you feel your symptoms are getting worse. Also let them know if you have any unexpected or unusually severe reactions to your treatment.

When should I go to an emergency room?

Some cancer treatments can affect your immune system, increasing your risk of developing infections. If you have had surgery, you may have problems at the surgery site. You should go to an emergency room if:

• If you have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius), a fever could be a sign that you have an infection.
• If you have pain that cannot be controlled by your painkillers.
• If you are vomiting excessively or have persistent diarrhea.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Angiosarcoma is a very rare cancer. You may be wondering why you got this cancer and what your doctor can do to help you. Here are some questions to help you have that conversation:

• What stage is my angiosarcoma?
• What treatments do you recommend?
• What are their side effects?
• What is the chance of cancer coming back after treatment?
• Do I need to participate in a clinical trial?
• What is the prognosis of my disease?

Things to remember in brief

Angiosarcoma is a very rare, fast-growing cancer. That means if you have angiosarcoma, you are probably dealing with a serious cancer. You may feel very stressed about what will happen next. It is normal to feel uncertain about the future. But you do not have to deal with this diagnosis alone. Share your concerns with your doctor. He or she can explain your treatment options and the future of the disease to you. Also, ask him or her to connect you with programs and services that can help you. Never give up hope.

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