Liver angiosarcoma

Liver angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy that originates in the blood vessels of the liver. This type of cancer is known for its rapid progression and poor prognosis. Liver angiosarcoma accounts for a small fraction of all primary liver cancers, making it a rare disease with significant clinical challenges.

Etiology

The exact cause of liver angiosarcoma is not well understood, but several risk factors have been identified. Exposure to certain toxic substances, such as vinyl chloride, arsenic, and thorium dioxide, has been linked to the development of this cancer. Additionally, individuals with a history of radiation therapy to the abdomen may have an increased risk of developing liver angiosarcoma.

Symptoms

Symptoms of liver angiosarcoma are often non-specific and may include fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, and ascites (fluid in the abdomen). Due to the non-specific nature of these symptoms, liver angiosarcoma is often diagnosed at a late stage when the disease has progressed significantly.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of liver angiosarcoma involves a combination of imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI, and biopsy of the liver tissue. Imaging studies can reveal masses or abnormalities in the liver, but a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of angiosarcoma.

Treatment

Treatment options for liver angiosarcoma are limited and often focus on palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Surgical resection of the tumor may be an option for some patients if the cancer is detected early and is localized. However, due to the aggressive nature of the disease and the likelihood of metastasis, surgery is often not a viable option. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used, but their effectiveness in treating liver angiosarcoma is limited.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with liver angiosarcoma is generally poor, with a median survival time of less than a year from diagnosis. The aggressive nature of the disease and its resistance to treatment contribute to the dismal outlook for patients.

Prevention

Preventing exposure to known carcinogens, such as vinyl chloride and arsenic, may reduce the risk of developing liver angiosarcoma. Regular medical check-ups and liver health monitoring can also aid in early detection, although there are no specific screening guidelines for this rare cancer.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Liver angiosarcoma

Liver angiosarcoma is a rare disease.