By Dr. Kathleen Ruddy
Angiosarcomas are cancers that present in the lining of either blood or lymph vessels. These are classified as hemangiosarcomas and lymphangiosarcomas, respectively. Because they are in the lining of a vessel, it’s very easy for these cancers to metastasize very rapidly. Early diagnosis and quick action are crucial to ensure the cancer doesn’t progress any further, and can be stopped before serious health risks become irreversible. Undiagnosed angiosarcomas in breast tissue can quickly lead to dramatic health issues, which is one reason why regular mammograms and self-exams can be so important.
How is a Sarcoma Different From a Carcinoma?
Medically speaking, a carcinoma generally occurs in the skin or outer linings of vessels, cavities, or organs, whereas sarcomas occur in the tissue itself. While sarcomas in breast tissue generally occur in the lining of blood or lymph vessels, they occur deeper in the lining, and are not considered carcinomas.
What Happens if an Angiosarcoma is Left Untreated?
Angiosarcomas grow in areas where there is a high potential for spreading. A good metaphor is that of a factory sitting on the edge of a river. When the factory (the sarcoma) outputs toxins into the river (the bloodstream), they don’t stay near the factory. Instead, they affect areas further downstream. In the human body, cancerous cells can split from the angiosarcoma of the breast and travel quickly to all parts of the body by using the high-speed circulatory system. If several cells split from the tumor (as often happens), they can form tens or even hundreds of tiny, nearly undetectable tumors all over the body. These tumors are extremely difficult to treat, and can often be fatal.
BY THE NUMBERS
Though angiosarcomas of breast tissue are extremely dangerous, they are also extremely rare. Angiosarcomas account for less than 0.05 percent of all breast cancer cases.
If the Angiosarcoma Doesn’t Split Off Into the Bloodstream, is it Still Dangerous?
Unfortunately, distributing cancerous cells into the bloodstream is not the only danger angiosarcomas present. Because they are present deep in the lining of blood vessels, they form a weak spot in the wall of the vessel that, if left untreated, can rupture, spilling blood into the surrounding tissue. Though this is an extreme outcome, it is sadly rather common, and if proper precautions are not taken in time, it can often result in the victim bleeding to death internally. Additionally, many angiosarcomas grow quickly because of the ever-present supply of blood, and can pose a hazard to neighboring healthy tissue by spreading to or overcrowding it.
How can Angiosarcomas be Detected?
Mammograms are excellent methods of detecting almost all types of breast cancers. However, if a mammogram is not easily available, there are occasionally other signs that an angiosarcoma is present. A rash-like area on the skin of the breast or underarm can be indicative of an angiosarcoma, but it’s important to remember that angiosarcomas are extremely rare, and the presence of a rash, or even an abnormal lump in the breast is likely not an angiosarcoma. Regular mammograms are the best way to ensure no cancerous tissue is present. As sarcomas generally present deep in the breast tissue, self-exams are generally not enough.
Because of the extremely dangerous nature of angiosarcomas in breast tissue, it is vitally important that women have regular breast exams and mammograms. If undiagnosed, or diagnosed too late, angiosarcomas have the potential to spread throughout the entire body, or severely damage neighboring tissue. However, it is important to remember that angiosarcomas are extremely rare forms of breast cancer, and a professional should be consulted before any assumptions are made.
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