Vascular Tumors

Question 1

What is a hemiangioma? When does it present? Which organs does it involve?

Answer 1

Benign tumor comprised of blood vessels. Commonly present at birth, regresses during childhood. Most often involves skin and liver.

Question 2

What is an angiosarcoma? Which sites does it involve? What causes it?

Answer 2

Malignant proliferqation of endothelial cells. Highly aggressive. COmmon sites include skin, breast and liver. Liver angiosarcoma is associated with exposure to polyvinyl chloride, arsenic and Thorotrst.

Question 3

What is Kaposi sarcoma? What virus causes it? How does it present? Which three types of patients have it?

Answer 3

Low grade malignant proliferation of endothelial cells associated with HHV-8. Presents as purple patches, plaques, and nodules on the skin. May also involve visceral organs. Classically seen in Eastern European males, AIDS patients and Transplant recipients.

Question 4

How is Kaposi sarcoma treated in older eastern European males? How does the tumor behave?

Answer 4

Tumor remains localized to skin. Treatment involves surgical removal.

Question 5

How is Kaposi sarcoma treated in older eastern European males? How does the tumor behave?

Answer 5

Tumor spreads early. Treatment is antiretroviral agents (to boost immune system).

Question 6

How is Kaposi sarcoma treated in transplant recipients? How does the tumor behave?

Answer 6

Tumor spreads early. Treatment involves decreasing immunosuppression.