Angiosarcoma



Angiosarcoma


Laura Webb Lamps, MD









This cross section from a partial hepatectomy for angiosarcoma shows numerous cystic, blood-filled spaces. (Courtesy C. Trower, PA (ASCP) and A. Folpe, MD.)






Markedly atypical neoplastic endothelial cells line vascular spaces. Note that the normal hepatic architecture has been destroyed.


TERMINOLOGY


Definitions



  • Rare malignant vascular tumor of liver



    • Most common primary hepatic sarcoma


    • Approximately 2% of malignant liver tumors


ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS


Environmental Exposure



  • Drugs/toxins



    • Vinyl chloride


    • Arsenic


    • Thorotrast


    • Androgens


    • Contraceptive steroids


    • Copper sulfate


    • Diethylstilbestrol


    • Phenelzine


  • About 25-40% of cases associated with vinyl chloride, Thorotrast, arsenic, or steroids



    • Many of these agents no longer used or strictly controlled, but they have very long latency period of up to several decades after exposure

Jul 7, 2016 | Posted by in PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Angiosarcoma

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