Lymphangiosarcoma

Lymphangiosarcoma is an extremely rare malignant tumor of the lymphatic vessels. It usually develops in women who have had a mastectomy for breast cancer and manifests as persistent swelling of the armpits.

Lymphangiosarcoma is a very aggressive tumor and has a poor prognosis. This is due to its tendency to early metastasize to regional lymph nodes, as well as the fact that the tumor often recurs after surgical treatment.

Lymphangiosarcoma is characterized by infiltrative growth with damage to surrounding tissues. Histologically, the tumor consists of atypical endothelial cells lining the lymphatic vessels.

The main treatment method for lymphangiosarcoma is surgical removal of the tumor in combination with radiation



Lymphangiosarcoma: A rare and malignant tumor of the lymphatic vessels

Lymphangiosarcoma is an extremely rare form of malignant tumor that develops in the lymphatic vessels of the body. Characterized by aggressive growth and the ability to metastasize. It is usually found in women who have previously had a mastectomy for breast cancer. The main manifestation of lymphangiosarcoma is constant swelling of the armpits.

Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare form of cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all soft tissue tumors. It appears as a malignant growth within the lymphatic vessels, which are usually responsible for draining lymph throughout the body. Although lymphangiosarcoma can occur in any part of the body, it most often affects the extremities and pelvis.

The cause of lymphangiosarcoma is not entirely clear, but the most common risk factor is previous mastectomy, a surgery to remove the breast to treat breast cancer. Women who have this surgery have an increased risk of developing lymphangiosarcoma in the long term.

The main symptom of lymphangiosarcoma is constant swelling of the armpits. The swelling may be more noticeable after physical activity or when exposed to gravity. In some cases, patients may also experience pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. However, symptoms may vary depending on the location of the tumor and how far it has spread.

Diagnosis of lymphangiosarcoma involves a comprehensive approach that includes visual examination, the patient's medical history, tumor biopsy, and imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These methods help determine the extent of the tumor and the presence of metastases in other parts of the body.

Treatment for lymphangiosarcoma usually includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and adjacent lymph nodes. In some cases, amputation or resection of the affected limb may be necessary. Radiation therapy is used to kill remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence. Chemotherapy may be recommended to kill cancer cells that may have spread throughout the body.

The prognosis for patients with lymphangiosarcoma depends on various factors, such as the stage of the tumor, its size, the presence of metastases and the general condition of the patient. Overall, the prognosis is usually poor due to the aggressive nature of the tumor and its ability to metastasize early. Early detection and treatment are important in increasing the chances of survival and controlling the spread of the tumor.

In conclusion, lymphangiosarcoma is a rare and malignant tumor of the lymphatic vessels. It most often develops in women who have had a mastectomy for breast cancer and manifests itself as persistent swelling of the armpits. Diagnosis and treatment require a comprehensive approach, and it is important to consult a medical specialist to obtain the correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.