Angiosarcomas: histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular insights with implications for differential diagnosis

Histol Histopathol. 2021 Jan;36(1):3-18. doi: 10.14670/HH-18-246. Epub 2020 Sep 4.

Abstract

Angiosarcomas (AS) represent a heterogenous group of tumors with variable clinical presentation. AS share an important morphologic and immunohistochemical overlap with other sarcomas, hence the differential diagnosis is challenging, especially in poorly-differentiated tumors. Although molecular studies provide significant clues, especially in the differential diagnosis with other vascular neoplasms, a thorough hematoxylin and eosin analysis remains an essential tool in AS diagnosis. In this review, we discuss pathological and molecular insights with emphasis on implications for differential diagnosis in cutaneous, breast, soft tissue and visceral AS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hemangiosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Hemangiosarcoma / metabolism
  • Hemangiosarcoma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods*
  • Sarcoma / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Tumor Microenvironment
  • Vascular Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Vascular Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Vascular Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor