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Angiosarcoma of the liver

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

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Angiosarcoma of the liver is a rare, very malignant tumor, which is difficult to differentiate from hepatocellular carcinoma.

trusted-source [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Causes of angiosarcoma of the liver

Angiosarcoma is referred to a group of diseases that occur with damage to the sinusoidal barrier, which also includes liver pelitis and dilatation of the sinuses. These three conditions can be associated with the toxic effects of vinyl chloride, arsenic, torotrast and anabolic steroids. Angiosarcoma can complicate the course of neurofibromatosis.

trusted-source [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Histology of angiosarcoma of the liver

By histological examination tumor detect blood-filled cavernous sinuses are lined with endothelial cells malignant anaplastic. These cells may in part resemble vascular epithelial cells at the earliest stages of development in embryogenesis. Highly differentiated tumors resemble peliosis of the liver. The liver is enlarged in size, contains many nodes resembling cavernous hemangioma.

Clearly visible giant cells, solid sarcomatous foci and intrasinusoidal spread of the tumor with its germination in the branch portal and hepatic veins. In the areas of the hepatic tissue adjacent to the tumor, proliferation of bile ducts and hypertrophy of the sinusoidal cells lining the cells are noted.

Tumor cells can express an antigen associated with the coagulation factor VIII, which is a marker of endothelial cells.

Symptoms of angiosarcoma of the liver

Angiosarcoma of the liver develops in older people. It manifests itself in the symptoms of hepatic cell disease of the liver, weight loss and fever, accompanied by a rapid deterioration of the patient's condition, the development of cachexia, hemorrhagic ascites; death occurs within 2 years of the onset of the first symptoms.

Sometimes a noise is heard over the liver. Possible destruction of platelets by the tumor and development of DIC syndrome. Sometimes the disease takes a protracted course with the development of ascites and hepatomegaly over the years.