A Review on Primary Angiosarcoma of the Prostate Gland: An Update

Abstract

Primary angiosarcoma of the prostate (PASOP) is a very rare tumour which most clinicians have not encountered and may be unaware of Literature of PASOP was reviewed by obtaining information from various internet data bases including: Google, Google Scholar, Educus, and PUB Med. Less than 20 cases of PASOP have been reported. PASOP may present in a male child or adult with lower urinary tract symptoms, dysuria, haematuria, pain and constipation. There may be in some cases a history of prior radiotherapy for adenocarcinoma of prostate. Diagnosis is based upon histological examination of prostate biopsy specimens which tend to reveal: proliferative vascular channels that are lined by atypical multi-layered or atypical solid endothelial cells, variable pleomorphic tumour cells ranging from spindle cells to large/plump cells; nuclei which are large and pleomorphic and which contain clumped chromatin and prominent nucleoli; mitotic figures of which some may look atypical are frequently seen. PASOPs on immunohistochemical staining tend to stain positively for CD34, Factor 8 (Factor VIII), Vimentin. PASOPs on immunohistochemical staining tend to exhibit negative staining for PSA, Keratin and S-100. Surgical resection with surgical margins that are clear of tumor has been shown to be the treatment associated with a chance of long-term survival but a number of reported cases of PASOP at the time of initial diagnosis had presented with metastatic disease or locally advanced disease and curative surgery