Single-center experience in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic angiosarcoma.

Abstract

Background: Primary hepatic angiosarcoma (PHA) is a rare but aggressive liver tumor, accounting for ~5% of all hemangiosarcomas and <2% of all primary hepatic malignancies. Oncological treatment data on PHA remain limited at present. The objective of this single-center study was to summarize the diagnosis and treatment of PHA, thereby contributing additional clinical data to improve understanding of the disease.

Methods: Eight patients were diagnosed with PHA in The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from 2016 to 2022. Five patients were male and three were female with a mean age of 62.4 years (range, 38-74 years). We summarized the clinical characteristics, pathological parameters, and treatment based on the electronic medical record system.

Results: Among the 8 patients with PHA, four patients presented with abdominal distension and pain, and two with weakness. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological findings. Four patients underwent surgery and four received conventional treatment. Seven patients died within 14 months due to tumor progression and the median survival time was 2 months.

Conclusions: PHA is a rare malignant liver tumor, and there are no specific symptoms or imaging methods for preoperative diagnosis. The diagnosis can only be confirmed by pathology and the prognosis is poor. Early diagnosis is crucial and further studies are needed to develop standardized diagnostic and treatment guidelines.