Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that starts in the cells lining blood vessels. It primarily affects the skin, but can also involve other organs such as the liver and heart. This cancer grows quickly and can spread to other parts of the body, making it difficult to treat. People with angiosarcoma may notice a rapidly enlarging, bruised, or purplish area on the skin that does not heal. Because it involves the blood vessels, it can cause bleeding and damage to surrounding tissues. Early detection is important due to its aggressive nature and potential to affect overall health severely.

Angiosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm arising from endothelial cells of blood or lymphatic vessels, characterized by rapidly proliferating, extensively infiltrating anaplastic cells. It is often associated with chronic lymphedema, prior radiation exposure, or chemical carcinogens such as vinyl chloride. The tumor exhibits aggressive behavior with a high propensity for local recurrence and distant metastasis, commonly to the lungs and liver. Histologically, it shows irregular, anastomosing vascular channels lined by atypical endothelial cells with high mitotic activity. Immunohistochemical staining is positive for CD31, CD34, and factor VIII-related antigen, confirming endothelial origin. Clinically, it presents as a bruise-like lesion or nodular mass that rapidly enlarges, often causing pain or bleeding.