Angiosarcoma
Encyclopedia
Angiosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of endothelial-type cells that line vessel walls. This may be in reference to blood (hemangiosarcoma
) or lymphatic vessels (lymphangiosarcoma
).
Its origin typically readily permits metastases to distant sites. Most tumors of visceral blood and lymphatic vessel walls are malignant. Hemangiosarcomas and lymphangiosarcomas of the skin are not common.
Angiosarcoma of the liver, a rare fatal tumor, has been seen in workers intensively exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a gas, for prolonged periods in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymerization plants. Prolonged consumption and exposure to VCM in the blood stream can contribute to a built-up concentration in the liver in rare cases, causing angiosarcoma. It has also been associated with individuals exposed to arsenic-containing insecticides and Thorotrast
. In canines, however, angiosarcoma is relatively common, especially in larger breeds such as golden retrievers and labrador retrievers.
Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is a rare, rapidly growing, highly invasive variety of cancer. It is a sarcoma arising from the lining of blood vessels; that is, blood-filled channels and spaces are commonly observed microscopically...
) or lymphatic vessels (lymphangiosarcoma
Lymphangiosarcoma
Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor which occurs in long-standing cases of primary or secondary lymphedema. It involves either the upper or lower lymphedemateous extremities but is most common in upper extremities.-Signs and Symptoms:...
).
Its origin typically readily permits metastases to distant sites. Most tumors of visceral blood and lymphatic vessel walls are malignant. Hemangiosarcomas and lymphangiosarcomas of the skin are not common.
Angiosarcoma of the liver, a rare fatal tumor, has been seen in workers intensively exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a gas, for prolonged periods in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymerization plants. Prolonged consumption and exposure to VCM in the blood stream can contribute to a built-up concentration in the liver in rare cases, causing angiosarcoma. It has also been associated with individuals exposed to arsenic-containing insecticides and Thorotrast
Thorotrast
Thorotrast is a suspension containing particles of the radioactive compound thorium dioxide, ThO2, used as a contrast medium in X-ray diagnostics in the 1930s and 40s ....
. In canines, however, angiosarcoma is relatively common, especially in larger breeds such as golden retrievers and labrador retrievers.