What is Hepatic Epithelioid Angiosarcoma of the Liver?
Hepatic Epithelioid Angiosarcoma (HEA) is a very rare and aggressive cancer of the liver. It develops from the cells that line blood vessels in the liver, called endothelial cells.
It is a subtype of angiosarcoma in which the cancer cells look more like epithelial cells under the microscope. In simple words, HEA is a rare liver cancer that starts from abnormal blood vessel cells and spreads quickly.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of HEA is not fully known. However, some factors may increase the risk, including, exposure to chemicals such as, Arsenic, Vinyl chloride, Thorium dioxide, previous exposure to radiations, long-term use of anabolic steroids, Certain diseases like, Hemochromatosis (iron overload disease) and Von Recklinghausen disease (neurofibromatosis). In many patients, no clear cause is found.
Signs and Symptoms
HEA often does not cause symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may develop:
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Enlarged liver
- Weakness and fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup
- Internal bleeding in severe cases
Because these symptoms are non-specific, the disease is often diagnosed late.
Diagnosis
Doctors use several methods to diagnose hepatic Epithelioid Angiosarcoma:
Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor asks about symptoms, chemical exposure, and medical history.
Imaging Tests: These tests help detect liver tumours:
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Biopsy: A small tissue sample from the liver is examined under a microscope. This is the most important test for confirming the diagnosis.
Immunohistochemistry : Special laboratory tests check for endothelial markers such as:
- CD31
- CD34
- ERG
- FLI1
- Factor VIII
These markers help confirm that the tumour originates from blood vessel cells.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size of the tumour, spread of disease, and the patient’s condition.
- Surgery: If the tumour is localised, surgical removal of the affected part of the liver is the main treatment.
- Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs may be used when the cancer has spread or cannot be completely removed.
- Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy may help control symptoms or reduce tumour size.
- Palliative Care: In advanced cases, treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving quality of life.
Prognosis
HEA is a highly aggressive cancer with a high chance of spreading to other organs. The prognosis is usually poor, and survival is often less than one year in advanced cases. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment may improve survival in some patients.
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways: