Angiosarcoma Symptoms
Angiosarcoma symptoms are difficult to identify. This is because the cancer does not exhibit any symptoms until it is in an advanced stage and there a very few symptoms that indicate the presence of the tumor. It may take years for angiosarcoma to develop and it can affect any number of organs and systems of the body. Angiosarcoma symptoms vary with the location of the tumor.
When the patient has a history of exposure to such carcinogens as vinyl chloride, radiation or other chemicals, it may be necessary to explore any symptoms being exhibited at a deeper level. These carcinogens begin to do damage at a cellular level and it may be years before there is an appearance of tumors.
The foundation for the course of angiosarcoma is set when, at the cellular level, a series of growth disorders occurs. These cellular groups display uncontrolled growth and division and may lead to intrusion on and destruction of adjoining tissues. Spread of the cancer cells to other locations in the body may occur through the lymph or blood flow.
Hemangiosarcoma is a form of angiosarcoma in which the blood vessels grow directly into the tumor. Blood disorders can become the initial symptom due to uncontrolled growth and division of the blood cells that cause bleeding and deficiency of platelets. This leads to the development of small blood clots that may block the smaller blood vessels. The platelets and clotting factors become depleted causing excess bleeding.
Anemia, one of the more common blood disorders, occurs when the level of healthy red blood cells in the body becomes too low. This can lead to health problems because red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. Anemia can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue and stress on bodily organs.
Angiosarcoma of the skin, bone or surrounding tissues is easier to diagnose in the advanced stages. Fatigue, anemia, red blood cell reduction, swelling or lump under the skin, bone pain, lesions of the skin, stabbing pains or dull aches are all symptoms of these types of angiosarcoma. When the angiosarcoma is internal it is much harder to diagnose yet the large tumors grow quickly. It is unfortunate, though, that once the tumor is large enough to diagnose, treatment is much less effective.
Distinct features are related to angiosarcomas that arise in different sites or different organs.
Skin: This type of angiosarcoma is easier to diagnose due to the development of large, unmistakable lesions at the tumor site. An enlarged bruise, a node that has a blue-black coloration, or lesions that don’t heal are all symptoms of this form of angiosarcoma. A significant discharge of fluids such as blood or lymph and the complaint of pain at the site of the tumor are also common.
Bone:A weakening of the bone and greater susceptibility to breaking may occur with angiosarcoma of the bone. Multiple bones of the same extremity may show tumor growth with symptoms of pain, tenderness and swelling of the affected area.
Liver: Liver Angiosarcoma is usually asymptomatic in the early stage. As the disease progresses hepatic dysfunctions appear as well as increasing loss of appetite, weight loss, and jaundice. There may be upper quadrant pain.
Soft Tissue: Abdominal Angiosarcoma may rapidly grow to a large size in the abdomen before being detected. Symptoms may include hemorrhage, anemia, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The adjacent lymph nodes may be enlarged.