“When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two
characters – one represents danger, the other represents opportunity.”
John F. Kennedy, 35th President
Vascular Sarcoma Explained
This is a subtype of sarcoma which develops in the lining of blood vessels and more commonly affects adults versus children. The nature of the disease enables it to form anywhere in the body and in some cases, blood vessel sarcomas can affect the lymphatic system. There are less aggressive and more aggressive varieties of this cancer which then dictates the manner of treatment for the disease.
Our team of oncologists at the Sarcoma Oncology Center are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all sarcoma subtypes. We are considered one of the best sarcoma practitioners worldwide with the ability to develop the most advanced patient-centric treatment available, with an emphasis on limb preservation, as well as protecting a patient’s qualify of life as much as possible. Patients who come to us for assistance receive personal and individualized attention from the most prestigious oncologists worldwide who are specialists in sarcoma and its numerous forms.
Subtypes of Vascular Sarcoma include:
Hemangioendothelioma – vascular tumors that usually involve the lungs, liver and musculoskeletal system, although it may occur elsewhere in the body such as the head, neck, intestines, lymph nodes, and stomach. They usually grow slowly and can sometimes spread to other tissues in the body (metastasize).
Kaposi Sarcoma – cancer in which lesions (abnormal areas) grow in the skin, lymph nodes, lining of the mouth, nose, or throat. There are two types: Original and African. Original Kaposi presents in the United States and generally affects older men of Jewish or Mediterranean descent. African Kaposi is fairly common in young adult males who live near the equator in Africa; but it is not common in the U.S. In the United States, it usually occurs in people who have a weak immune system caused by AIDS or by drugs used in organ transplants.
Angiosarcoma – cancer of the inner lining of blood vessels and while it can occur in any area of the
body, it is most commonly found in the skin, breast, liver, spleen, and deep tissue. The majority of Angiosarcoma cases occur in the skin and usually affect the scalp and face. This cancer can also develop in the breast or arms as a complication of radiation treatments or lymph node surgery.
The complex nature and scope of this disease require an integrated approach to treatment involving multiple specialists working as a medical care team. The Sarcoma Oncology Center is a leader in multi-modal treatment collaborating with a team of renowned specialists for the best in personalized cancer care and limb and tissue preservation.
Vascular Sarcoma Symptoms
Some soft tissue sarcomas do not present any noticeable symptoms until the disease is more advanced. Symptoms can include a painless lump or swelling under the skin or in the soft tissue of the body. Sarcomas that are deep in the soft tissue may not be discovered unless pressure is applied to the affected area
If the cancer affects the skin, as in the case of Kaposi Sarcoma, then slow-growing lesions are visibly apparent. Colored red, purple or brown, the lesions in most cases appear on ankles or soles of the feet. Left untreated, the growths will spread to other parts of the body including stomach, intestines or lymph nodes. The lesions in themselves don’t cause any symptoms, but pressure from the lesions may block the flow of lumph fluid and blood in the legs and cause painful swelling. If lesions form in the digestive tract, gastrointestinal bleeding might develop.
While there are other medical conditions that could cause the same symptoms as soft tissue sarcoma, it’s highly recommended to consult a doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
Treatment for Vascular Sarcomas
The Sarcoma Oncology Center goes beyond standard care for cancer through its multi-modal treatment approach. We are leaders in sarcoma research and clinical trials, which gives us access to the most novel cancer drugs. Sarcomas are a complex form of cancer requiring a team-oriented, multi-modal, medical care. We are experts in collaboration through our network of prominent surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and radiologists from institutions such as USC, UCLA, Stanford, St. John’s, Cedars Sinai and M.D. Anderson.
The Center implements an effective and personalized treatment plan which considers the grade and stage of the tumor, prior treatments received (if any), progress of the cancer, biopsy analysis and other individualized factors. Combined with a team of medical specialists, our patients receive the most advanced comprehensive cancer care.
Clinical Trials at Sarcoma Oncology Center
At the Sarcoma Oncology Center, our expert oncologists are actively involved in clinical trials of the newest drugs and work with a team of experts to develop the best treatment plan for each individual.
Dr. Chawla is the international principal investigator of Paclitaxel (Taxol) and Bevacizumab (Avastin) which are currently undergoing trial as treatments for Angiosarcoma.
Contact the Sarcoma Experts for More Information
Sarcoma Oncology Center considers the physical and emotional well-being of each individual and provides an expert team of medical specialists. Center oncologists are actively involved in clinical trials of the newest drugs and work as a team to develop the best individual treatment plan. Please contact our center at 310-552-9999 to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians.
Next, read about Sarcomas of Uncertain Differentiation.