What Is Lymphangiosarcoma?

The term lymphatic sarcoma (lymphangiosarcoma) was first used by Stewart and Treves in 1948 to describe an extremely rare tumor, also known as Stewart-Treves syndrome, which almost all occurs on the basis of chronic lymphedema. It is often associated with chronic chronic lymphedema of the upper limbs after radical mastectomy. The vast majority are located in the upper extremities, and a few are found in the lower extremities, which can occur on the basis of primary or secondary chronic lymphedema.

Basic Information

nickname

Stewart-Treves syndrome

English name

lymphangiosarcoma

Visiting department

Oncology

Common causes

Unclear, may be related to lymphatic reflux disorder and chronic inflammation

Common symptoms

Chronic chronic edema, erythema, pimples or blisters in the lower limbs

Causes of Lymphangiosarcoma

The specific cause of this disease is unknown, and may be related to lymphatic reflux disorder and chronic inflammation.

Clinical manifestations of lymphangiosarcoma

It usually occurs in the elderly with upper limb lymphedema after radical mastectomy, or in patients with ipsilateral upper limbs after supplemental radiotherapy, or in patients with chronic chronic edema in the lower limbs after penile cancer surgery and filariasis. The degree of edema worsens, there is local tenderness, and then most of the skin appears with erythema, and it further develops into a purple-red papules or blister. The early manifestations are red, blue, blue-purple spotted or papular nodules, which are often multiple, scattered subcutaneous nodules that gradually become stasis, cellulitis, and later merge into a large ulcer, Hemorrhagic mass. The tumor grows rapidly and often spreads along the subcutaneous tissue or deep fascia. It can invade deep muscles and spread through the subcutaneous lymphatics.

Lymphatic sarcoma differential diagnosis

This tumor is mainly distinguished from malignant hemangioendothelioma, mainly because the patient has a history of chronic lymphedema.

Lymphatic sarcoma treatment

Because this tumor is highly malignant, it can invade deep muscles, and local resection is difficult. Once diagnosed, amputation is often performed.

Lymphatic sarcoma prognosis

The prognosis of this disease is very poor, and it is easy to relapse and metastasis. Recurrence is common around the incision and chest wall. Metastases occur in turn from lung, pleura, liver, bone, and brain. Most patients die within 1 year of onset.

Lymphatic sarcoma prevention

Minimizing unnecessary postoperative axillary radiation therapy to avoid the occurrence of lymphedema in the affected limb can prevent the occurrence of this disease.