Vascular Tumors
Vascular Tumors Pathology Video
Vascular tumors are abnormal growths of vascular tissue.
Vascular tumors include:
- Hemangioma
- Angiosarcoma
- Kaposi sarcoma
Hemangioma
A hemangioma is a benign tumor made up of blood vessels.
Hemangiomas often present on newborns at birth, and often degenerates during childhood.
Hemangiomas most commonly affect the skin and liver, although they may effect other organs.
Angiosarcoma
An angiosarcoma is a malignant proliferation of vascular endothelial cells that is extremely aggressive.
Common sites that angiosarcomas may occur include the:
- Skin
- Breast
- Liver
Exposure to Thorotrast (a suspension of radioactive thorium dioxide particles), polyvinyl chloride, and arsenic is linked to liver angiosarcoma.
Exposure to radiation to treat breast cancer may result in angiosarcoma of the breast approximately 10 years after the radiation treatment.
Kaposi Sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma is a low-grade malignant proliferation of endothelial cells.
Kaposi sarcoma is associated with:
- Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection
- HIV infections
Kaposi sarcoma presents as purple plaques, nodules, and patches appear on the skin.
Visceral organs may also be affected in Kaposi sarcoma.
Kaposi sarcoma is classically seen in:
- HIV/AIDS patients
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Transplant recipients
- Older Eastern European males


























