Angiosarcoma cancer: Blood vessels and Lymph vessels
Angiosarcoma cancer. when symptoms appears, it will be a lump or mass in the breast which is always the most common symptom
Angiosarcoma is a rare type of cancer normally affecting the lining of the blood vessels and lymph vessels. The lymph vessels are part of immune system responsible for collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products from the body and disposes of them. Experts’ at AWAREmed health and wellness resources center, explains that, this type of cancer can occur anywhere in your body. But quit often it affects the head and neck skin. Rarely, angiosarcoma cancer may form in the skin on other parts of your body, such as the breast. Or it may form in deeper tissue, such as the liver and the heart. Angiosarcoma treatment depends on where the cancer is located. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and we will be discussing then shortly.
Angiosarcoma cancer: Symptoms
The signs and symptoms often vary depending on where the cancer forms.
Angiosarcoma that affects the skin – like stated in most cases angiosarcoma affects the head and neck skin and particularly the scalp. Its signs and symptoms of this form of angiosarcoma include:
- A raised, purplish area of skin that looks like a bruise
- A bruise-like lesion that grows larger over time
- A lesion that may bleed when scratched or bumped
- Swelling in the surrounding skin
Angiosarcoma that affects organs – it affects organs like the heart and the liver and when this happens, the patients feels a lot of pain. In all these, doctor Akoury advices that when the signs and symptoms are persistent, you may want to see your doctor. And if you’re around, you can schedule an appointment with us at AWAREmed health center at convenience.
Angiosarcoma cancer: Causes
Scientifically, it’s not clear what causes most angiosarcoma. However, there’re certain factors that can facilitate the risks. When the cells in the blood vessels multiply abnormally this should be an indicator. The abnormal cells outgrows the other cells resulting in cells breaking off and spreads or metastasize to other parts of the body.
Angiosarcoma cancer: Risk factors
The risks may increase due to the following factors:
Radiation therapy – when radiation is used for treatment, this increases the risks. A rare complication of radiation therapy, angiosarcoma typically occurs between 5 to 10 years after treatment.
Swelling caused by lymph vessel damage (lymphedema) – Lymphedema is swelling caused by a backup of lymph fluid that forms when the lymphatic system is blocked or damaged. This is becomes a risk whenever lymph nodes are removed during surgery (a technique that’s often used to treat cancer). Lymphedema can also occur in response to infection or other conditions.
Chemicals – Liver angiosarcoma has been linked to exposure to several chemicals, including vinyl chloride and arsenic.
Angiosarcoma cancer: Blood vessels and Lymph vessels
