Angiosarcoma is a very rare soft tissue tumor that affects the inner lining of your blood vessels. You can develop an angiosarcoma almost anywhere in your body. While healthcare providers have developed effective treatments, about 35% of people diagnosed with angiosarcoma are alive five years after diagnosis.
Angiosarcoma is a very rare soft tissue tumor that affects the inner lining of your blood vessels. Because angiosarcoma arises from your blood vessels, you can develop an angiosarcoma almost anywhere in your body. That said, angiosarcoma most commonly affects your skin, breasts, liver or head and neck.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Angiosarcomas are malignant soft tissue sarcomas, which are rare tumors in and of themselves. Soft tissue sarcomas represent 1% of all solid malignancies or tumors, and angiosarcomas represent about 1% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Each year, approximately 1 person in 1 million people in the United States is diagnosed with angiosarcoma. Cutaneous angiosarcoma, which is skin cancer, is the most common form of angiosarcoma.
While angiosarcoma can affect anyone at any age, people aged 60 and older are more likely to develop angiosarcoma, and more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) than people who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) develop primary angiosarcoma.
Angiosarcoma happens when the cells in the inner lining of your blood vessels change from normal to abnormal cells. Unlike normal cells, the abnormal cells don’t die but continue to churn out abnormal cells that eventually become masses or tumors. The abnormal cells keep on growing from your affected blood vessels, sometimes spreading to other areas of your body.
Researchers believe these tumors start forming when something changes in your blood vessel and/or lymph vessels’ genetic code. They’ve also identified several risk factors that may increase the chance you’ll develop angiosarcoma. Those risk factors are:
Researchers have found links between genetic disorders that affect genes that are supposed to protect you against tumors. Specific conditions include:
Angiosarcoma symptoms vary depending on the area of your body affected by angiosarcoma. For example, symptoms of angiosarcoma of your skin include reddish or blue nodules on your scalp, head and neck that bleed easily. Other examples are:
Healthcare providers may start by discussing your medical history and your symptoms. They may do imaging tests to look at the tumor’s size and location. They may also do a biopsy, removing small samples of your tissue, fluid and cells. The samples are sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.
Surgery to remove your tumor is the most common treatment for angiosarcoma. Healthcare providers may recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy before or after surgery. This is adjuvant therapy. Each treatment will vary depending on your specific situation and factors such as your age and your overall health. Your healthcare provider will explain each treatment and potential side effects.
Researchers have identified several activities and medical conditions that might increase your risks for developing angiosarcoma. For example, you may reduce your risk by protecting your skin from the sun and limiting your exposure to certain chemicals. Some risk factors you can’t avoid, such as inheriting a genetic condition or needing radiation therapy for cancer.
Like most cancers, early diagnosis and treatment improve your expected outcome. Tell your healthcare provider about your specific situation so they can assess your risk. They may recommend ways to monitor your health for signs of angiosarcoma.
Angiosarcomas can spread very quickly because they start in your blood vessels. Once it’s spread, angiosarcoma is very difficult to treat. Even though healthcare providers have more effective ways of treating angiosarcoma, about 35% of people diagnosed with angiosarcoma are alive five years after diagnosis.
Angiosarcoma is a fast-moving cancer. You can take care of yourself by slowing down. Try to give yourself time to understand what’s happening to your body. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to support your treatment. Here are some suggested steps that may help:
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your symptoms and treatment side effects. You should contact your healthcare provider if your angiosarcoma symptoms seem to be getting worse or you have an unexpected or unusually strong reaction to treatment.
Some cancer treatments affect your immune system and increase your risk of developing infections. If you’ve had surgery, you may have problems with your surgery site. You should go to the emergency room if:
Angiosarcoma is a very rare cancer. You may wonder why you developed this cancer and what your healthcare provider can do to help you. Here are some suggestions for questions to help you with that conversation:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Angiosarcoma is a very rare cancer that spreads very quickly. If you have angiosarcoma, you may be dealing with advanced cancer. You may feel overwhelmed by your situation and worried about what’ll happen next. Your healthcare provider knows what you’re going through. Share your concerns and feeling with them so they can recommend programs and services that may help you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/18/2022.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy