Vascular Tumors

Question 1

What is a Hemangioma?

Answer 1

Benign tumor comprised of blood vessels

Question 2

When are Hemangiomas usually present? What happens to them?

Answer 2

• Commonly present at birth

- Often regresses during childhood

Question 3

What do hemangioma most often involve?

Answer 3

Skin and liver

Question 4

What is an angiosarcoma?

Answer 4

Malignant proliferation of endothelial cells (cells lining blood vessels) - highly aggressive

Question 5

What are common sites for angiosarcomas?

Answer 5

Skin, breast and liver

Question 6

What is Liver angiosarcoma associated with?

Answer 6

Exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), arsenic, and Thorotrast

Question 7

What is Kaposi Sarcoma?

Answer 7

Low-grade malignant proliferation of endothelial cells

Question 8

What is Kaposi Sarcoma associated with?

Answer 8

HHV-8

Question 9

What does Kaposi Sarcoma present with?

Answer 9

Purple patches, plaques, and nodules on skin

-May also involve visceral organs

Question 10

What three populations is Kaposi Sarcoma often seen in?

Answer 10

1. Older Eastern European males - tumor remains localized to skin; treatment involves surgical removal
2. AIDS - tumor spreads early - treatment is antiretroviral agents (to boost immune system)
3. Transplant recipients - tumor spreads early - treatment involves decreasing immunosuppression