Vascular cancer is a rare malignancy that originates in the cells lining blood and lymph vessels. These vessels are responsible for circulating blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body, meaning tumors can arise nearly anywhere. The growths, known as vascular tumors, can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
Types of Vascular Tumors
The most prevalent form of malignant vascular tumor is angiosarcoma, which arises from the endothelial cells lining blood vessels. It can develop in any part of the body but is frequently identified in the skin, particularly on the scalp and face. Angiosarcomas are also found in deeper tissues and organs, including the breast, liver, and spleen. Their appearance can be deceptive, sometimes resembling a bruise or a simple skin lesion, which can delay detection.
Another type of vascular cancer is Kaposi sarcoma, which causes abnormal tissue patches, or lesions, to develop in the skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, and internal organs. This cancer is strongly associated with the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and often occurs in individuals with compromised immune systems. The lesions typically appear as red or purple patches on the skin.
A rarer and more complex vascular tumor is the hemangioendothelioma. These tumors are considered borderline, possessing characteristics that fall between benign hemangiomas and fully malignant angiosarcomas. Their clinical behavior is highly variable; some may grow slowly and remain localized, while others can become aggressive and spread to other parts of the body.
Associated Risk Factors and Symptoms
Several factors are known to elevate the risk of developing vascular cancers. Chronic swelling known as lymphedema, which can occur after some cancer treatments, is a significant risk factor. Previous exposure to radiation therapy for other cancers also increases the likelihood of developing these malignancies, particularly angiosarcoma. Exposure to certain industrial chemicals, such as vinyl chloride and arsenic, has been linked to an increased risk as well.
The signs of vascular cancer depend heavily on the tumor’s location. When occurring on the skin, symptoms can include the appearance of a new lesion that grows over time, a purplish area that resembles a bruise but does not heal, or a small nodule that might bleed easily if scratched or bumped. These skin changes are often the first noticeable indication of a surface-level vascular tumor.
When a tumor develops deeper within the body or in an organ, the symptoms can be less specific. Localized pain or swelling in a limb or area without any apparent injury can be a sign. If the cancer affects internal organs, more generalized symptoms may arise, such as persistent fatigue or unexplained weight loss. These systemic signs can make diagnosis more difficult as they overlap with many other conditions.
The Diagnostic Process
The journey to diagnosing vascular cancer typically begins with a thorough physical examination. A physician will assess the suspicious area, noting the size, color, and shape of any visible growths or lesions. A detailed medical history is also taken to identify any potential risk factors.
To gain a clearer picture of the tumor, healthcare providers use various imaging tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans provide detailed images that help determine the tumor’s precise size and location. These scans are also used to see if the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or distant parts of the body. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan may also be used to detect cancer cells throughout the body.
While imaging provides valuable information, a biopsy is the only way to definitively confirm a diagnosis of vascular cancer. This procedure involves removing a small sample of the suspicious tissue, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to identify the presence of cancer cells and determine the specific type of vascular tumor.
Current Treatment Approaches
The treatment plan for vascular cancer is highly individualized, depending on the tumor’s type, size, location, and whether it has spread. For localized tumors that have not metastasized, surgery is a common approach. The primary goal of the surgical procedure is to remove the entire tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure no cancer cells are left behind.
Radiation therapy is another treatment, utilizing high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used after surgery to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that may remain in the area, reducing the risk of recurrence. In cases where surgery is not a viable option due to the tumor’s location or the patient’s health, radiation may be used as the primary form of treatment.
For cancers that are widespread or have metastasized, systemic treatments are often employed. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, throughout the body. A newer class of treatments, known as targeted therapy, uses medications designed to attack specific molecular vulnerabilities within the cancer cells. These therapies can sometimes offer a more precise way to fight the cancer while causing less damage to normal cells.