Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the cells lining the walls of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. It can occur anywhere in the body but is commonly found in the skin or soft tissue. One of the most common questions people with angiosarcoma have is whether the disease is hereditary. This article will explore the genetics of angiosarcoma and what you need to know about its hereditary nature.
What is Angiosarcoma and What Causes It?
Angiosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that line the walls of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. This cancer can occur in any area of the body, but the skin, liver, spleen, and breast are the most commonly affected areas. The causes of angiosarcoma are not completely understood, but known risk factors include exposure to radiation, chronic lymphedema, and certain environmental toxins.
The Genetics of Angiosarcoma
The genetics of angiosarcoma are not well understood. There is evidence that suggests that some cases of angiosarcoma may be the result of inherited genetic mutations. However, the majority of angiosarcoma cases are thought to be sporadic, meaning that they develop due to environmental factors and not genetic mutations inherited from parents.
Familial Angiosarcoma
There are rare cases of familial angiosarcoma in which the disease appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Autosomal dominant means that only one copy of the mutated gene is needed to develop the condition. Familial angiosarcoma is caused by mutations in the TEK gene, which provides instructions for making the protein TIE2. TIE2 is essential for the growth and development of blood vessels, and mutations that affect the function of this protein can lead to angiosarcoma.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Another condition that may be associated with angiosarcoma is hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). HHT is an inherited disorder that affects the blood vessels, causing abnormal connections between arteries and veins. This condition can cause bleeding in the nose, gastrointestinal tract, and other areas of the body, and it increases the risk of developing angiosarcoma.
What are the Symptoms of Angiosarcoma?
The symptoms of angiosarcoma depend on the location of the cancer. If it occurs in the skin, symptoms may include a deep red or purplish bruise-like area that grows rapidly and does not heal. In other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a lump that is increasing in size.
How is Angiosarcoma Diagnosed?
Angiosarcoma is typically diagnosed through a biopsy, which involves the removal of a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, may also be used to help diagnose angiosarcoma and identify the extent of the cancer.
Can Angiosarcoma be Inherited?
The majority of angiosarcoma cases are thought to be sporadic, meaning that they develop due to environmental factors and not genetic mutations inherited from parents. However, rare cases of familial angiosarcoma have been reported, which appear to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.
What is the Treatment for Angiosarcoma?
The treatment for angiosarcoma depends on the location and stage of the cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are commonly used to treat angiosarcoma. In some cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may also be used.
What is the Prognosis for Angiosarcoma?
The prognosis for angiosarcoma depends on the location and stage of the cancer. In general, angiosarcoma has a poor prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 35%. However, this may vary based on the location of the cancer, with skin angiosarcoma having a better prognosis than angiosarcoma in other areas of the body.
What can I do to Prevent Angiosarcoma?
Since the causes of angiosarcoma are not completely understood, there are no surefire ways to prevent it from occurring. However, avoiding exposure to radiation, minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, and managing lymphedema can help reduce your risk of developing angiosarcoma.
Conclusion
Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the cells lining the walls of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. While the majority of cases are thought to be sporadic, there are rare cases of familial angiosarcoma that appear to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. If you are concerned about your risk for angiosarcoma, talk to your doctor about your family history and any other risk factors that may apply to you.
Common Questions and Answers about Angiosarcoma Heredity
- Is angiosarcoma hereditary?
- What causes angiosarcoma?
- What are the symptoms of angiosarcoma?
- What is the treatment for angiosarcoma?
- What is the prognosis for angiosarcoma?
- How can angiosarcoma be prevented?
While the majority of cases are thought to be sporadic, there are rare cases of familial angiosarcoma that appear to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.
The causes of angiosarcoma are not completely understood, but known risk factors include exposure to radiation, chronic lymphedema, and certain environmental toxins.
The symptoms of angiosarcoma depend on the location of the cancer. If it occurs in the skin, symptoms may include a deep red or purplish bruise-like area that grows rapidly and does not heal. In other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a lump that is increasing in size.
The treatment for angiosarcoma depends on the location and stage of the cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are commonly used to treat angiosarcoma. In some cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may also be used.
The prognosis for angiosarcoma depends on the location and stage of the cancer. In general, angiosarcoma has a poor prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 35%. However, this may vary based on the location of the cancer, with skin angiosarcoma having a better prognosis than angiosarcoma in other areas of the body.
Since the causes of angiosarcoma are not completely understood, there are no surefire ways to prevent it from occurring. However, avoiding exposure to radiation, minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, and managing lymphedema can help reduce your risk of developing angiosarcoma.
References
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- Kandel RA. Sarcomas of the Breasts, Female Genital Tract, and Skin. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2018;16(5S):597-599.
- Nambudiri VE, Talcott J, Zembowicz A, Mihm MC Jr. Angiosarcoma: clinical and imaging features. Dermatol Clin. 2008;26(4):407-415, vii.
- Young RJ, Brown NJ, Reed MW, Hughes D, Woll PJ. Angiosarcoma. Lancet Oncol. 2010;11(10):983-991.