Angiosarcoma

Summary

Angiosarcoma is a high grade malignant soft tissue tumor involving blood vessel cells. Hemangioendothelioma and hemangiopericytoma are lower grade tumors. Only 1-2% of soft tissue sarcomas come from vascular origin.

Angiosarcomas usually occur in men between the ages of 40 and 70. They are found in the skin, both superficial and deep soft tissue, the breast, liver and bone. The site and extent of the lesion is clearly seen on the MRI or CT scan staging studies. The bone scan shows marked uptake in the tumor area. Prognosis for low grade hemangioendothelioma and hemangiopericytoma is better than high grade angiosarcoma. Treatment for all involves a wide excision. Other adjuvant therapy depends on the grade and stage of the tumor at the time of presentation.