Angiosarcoma of the liver can have an enormous impact on individuals diagnosed with it.
This rare type of liver cancer can bring about a myriad of symptoms, ranging from abdominal pain to jaundice.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of angiosarcoma is important for early detection and prompt medical intervention, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient prognosis.
Read on to learn more about this life-threatening disease.
What Is Angiosarcoma Of The Liver?
Liver angiosarcoma, a rare form of liver cancer, originates in the blood vessels of the liver. It is characterized by its rapid progression, often leading to a diagnosis at an advanced stage.
Despite accounting for only 0.1-2% of all liver diseases, this aggressive condition poses significant challenges. This primary malignant mesenchymal liver tumor predominantly affects adults and is the most commonly observed liver tumor.Â
Its impact on individuals and their overall health highlights the importance of early detection and effective treatment strategies.
Learn more about Liver Cancer here.
What Are The Causes and Risk Factors of Angiosarcoma Of The Liver?
Approximately 75% of all types of angiosarcoma have no specific identifiable cause. However, several risk factors have been associated with the growth of angiosarcomas.
These include:
- Exposure to radium,
- Vulnerability to vinyl chloride monomer,
- Iatrogenic exposure to thorotrast,
- Chronic ingestion of arsenic, and
- Use of androgenic steroids.
Additionally,
- Exposure to urethane,
- Diethylstilbestrol,
- Oral contraceptives, and
- Cyclophosphamide has also been found to pose a potential risk for this illness.
Recent studies have suggested that liver angiosarcoma, in particular, may result from certain environmental influences. It is important to note that the delayed period for the development of angiosarcoma is reported to be between 10 to 40 years.
Understanding these risk factors and their associations can play a crucial role in early detection and prevention strategies.
How Is Angiosarcoma of the Liver Diagnosed?
A systematic assessment by a medical professional becomes essential to diagnose this form of cancer.
To aid in accurate diagnosis, a doctor may undertake the following steps:
Physical Exam:
The first step in testing for angiosarcoma of the liver involves a physical evaluation to check for symptoms like fluid collection in the abdomen, jaundice, or an increase in liver size.
Patient’s History:
The patient’s personal and family medical history is reviewed by the team of doctors, including any history of liver diseases or exposure to industrial chemicals that could potentially contribute to the development of angiosarcoma.
Radiological Imaging:
This is an effective method for early detection of non-metastatic (cancer that has not spread beyond the originating organ) angiosarcoma. It can help identify the presence of the cancer before it spreads.
Histopathology:
This test involves examining liver tissue under a microscope to detect angiosarcoma in its early stages. The tissue can be obtained through surgery or less invasive procedures.
Imaging tests:
In addition to histopathology, imaging tests such as CT scans can also be used for diagnosing angiosarcoma. These tests reveal the extent of the cancer and any associated complications.
Lab tests:
Tumor markers and liver function tests are other diagnostic tools that can be used to test for angiosarcoma. These tests provide additional information about the presence and impact of the cancer.
By combining these diagnostic approaches, doctors can gather the necessary information to confirm or exclude the presence of angiosarcoma in the liver, enabling appropriate treatment decisions and management strategies.
How Is Angiosarcoma Of Liver Treated?
Treatment for angiosarcoma of the liver is typically based on the stage and extent of the disease. Depending on the severity, treatment options range from surgery to chemotherapy.
Surgery:
Surgery is often the primary form of treatment for angiosarcoma of the liver and involves removing tumors or a portion of affected liver tissue. In some cases, the surgical procedure may also entail the removal of other organs that may be impacted by the tumor.
Chemoembolization:
This procedure comprises injecting a chemotherapy drug directly into the tumor, which is then followed by embolization of the tumor’s blood supply. This technique significantly reduces the number of healthy tissues affected by cancer and helps to prevent the rapid recurrence of angiosarcoma.
Liver cancer can start in the liver or spread from other parts of the body. Chemoembolization injects three chemotherapy drugs directly into the artery supplying blood to the liver tumor. This targeted approach fights the disease effectively with fewer side effects.
Radiotherapy:
Radiotherapy is another option for treating angiosarcoma and involves using radiation to reduce the size of the tumor. It can be used as an alternative or complementary method to surgery, depending on the extent of the cancer.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy is an innovative approach that aims to specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.
It is based on a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in a certain type of cancer and can be used to treat angiosarcoma as an adjunctive therapy after surgery or chemotherapy.
Liver Transplantation:
Liver transplantation and other molecular treatments have shown limited effectiveness in treating this specific type of cancer compared to other therapy options.
Angiosarcoma patients face a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Alternative treatment strategies and ongoing monitoring are crucial in managing this condition. The outlook for liver angiosarcoma depends on its stage and spread.
Seeking advice from a qualified medical professional ensures the best care. By avoiding toxic substances and promptly detecting related health conditions, individuals can reduce the risk of developing this life-threatening illness.
What Is the Prognosis/Survival Rate of Angiosarcoma of the Liver?
The prognosis of angiosarcoma of the liver depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, how advanced it is, whether it has spread to other organs or lymph nodes, and the type of treatment.
Unfortunately, the survival rate of angiosarcoma, a rare type of cancer, is not high for both cutaneous angiosarcoma (which affects the skin) and non-metastatic angiosarcoma (which has not spread to other parts of the body).
This low survival rate is often attributed to the challenges associated with its diagnosis, which is frequently delayed. On average, the 5-year survival rate for individuals with angiosarcoma is approximately 35%, highlighting the urgent need for improved detection methods and treatment options to enhance patient outcomes.
Despite these grim statistics, individuals who have been diagnosed early and receive prompt treatment tend to be more likely to survive. Furthermore, the prognosis is much better if the cancer has not spread beyond its original site.
How Is Angiosarcoma of the Liver Different From Hepatocellular Carcinoma Of the Liver?
Angiosarcoma of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are two distinct diseases, although they share some similarities.
The main difference between the two diseases is how they arise.
- Angiosarcoma of the liver originates in blood vessels, whereas HCC starts in cells that form part of the liver’s parenchyma.
- The prognoses of both diseases are also different, with angiosarcoma having a poorer outcome due to its aggressive nature and difficulty in early diagnosis.
- Another important distinction is that HCC has a higher rate of recurrence than angiosarcoma because it is often more easily detected when compared to the latter.
- Additionally, HCC can be treated more effectively with chemotherapy and targeted therapies, as its cells are more sensitive to these treatments.
- Whereas, Angiosarcoma is much more resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.
It is essential to identify the specific type of cancer when making treatment decisions, as this will improve the odds of a successful outcome.
By understanding the differences between angiosarcoma of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma, individuals can ensure that they receive the most appropriate and effective care for their specific condition.
Conclusion
Liver angiosarcoma often goes unnoticed until the advanced stages, and this leads to a low survival rate. The cause of this non-metastatic type is still unknown, making early diagnosis critical for successful treatment.
It is important to note that liver transplantation has not been proven effective in treating this type of cancer and should only be considered as a last resort.
By being proactive in detecting any signs or symptoms that may signal the presence of this disease, one can increase their chances of achieving a successful outcome.
At-home testing kits are also available to help detect early warning signs so diagnosis can be made in a timely manner.
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FAQ :
Q. What are the causes of HCC of the liver?
A. The cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is typically linked to chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, fat accumulation in the liver, and exposure to certain toxins.
Q. What are the warning signs of angiosarcoma?
A. Some warning signs of angiosarcoma include pain or swelling in the liver area, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and fever. In some cases, there may be no visible symptoms until the cancer has advanced significantly. Therefore, it is important to be aware of any changes or new symptoms that arise.
Q. How can I reduce my risk of developing angiosarcoma?
A. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing angiosarcoma:Â
Avoid exposure to toxins, including environmental pollutants and certain chemicals in consumer products, follow a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight, and limit your consumption of alcohol and fatty foods. See your doctor for regular checkups and screenings, especially if you have risk factors or a family history of cancer.
Q. What are the different types of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the liver?
A. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be categorized into three distinct types based on its progression: nodular, massive, and diffuse. The nodular type can manifest as either a solitary nodule or multiple nodules. Solitary nodules are typically encapsulated, but extracapsular growth near the primary nodule may also occur.
Q. What are the Stages of Angiosarcoma of the Liver?
A. Angiosarcoma is typically staged according to the TNM system, which stands for tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M). The stages range from 0-IV, with Stage 0 being a pre-cancerous lesion and Stage IV indicating that the cancer has spread to other organs. Once the cancer has been staged, treatment can be tailored for each patient. Connect with MedicoExperts Tumor Board for the most effective treatment plan.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6895451/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10622948/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8415961/
