Angiosarcoma of skin

Description

A malignant tumour arising from the endothelial cells of the blood vessels. Microscopically, it is characterised by frequently open vascular anastomosing and branching channels. The malignant cells that line the vascular channels are spindle or epithelioid and often display hyperchromatic nuclei. Angiosarcomas most frequently occur in the skin and breast. Patients with long-standing lymphoedema are at increased risk of developing angiosarcoma.

Coding note from above levels

For use of this category, reference should be made to the mortality coding rules and guidelines in the Reference Guide.

Exclusions from above levels

• 2A01.1 – Mesenchymal tumour of meninges
• 2A02.1 – Tumours of cranial or paraspinal nerves
• http://id.who.int/icd/entity/879154182 – Neoplasms of central nervous system or related structures