Living with Littoral cell angioma
A very rare tumor of the spleen's blood vessels that is usually non-cancerous and often causes no symptoms.
Understanding Littoral cell angioma
Most reported cases have been non-cancerous (benign), and many cause no symptoms. It is often found by chance during an exam or tests done for other reasons. It affects men and women equally and mostly occurs in middle-aged adults and occasionally in children. It is hard to diagnose by imaging, so diagnosis is usually confirmed by biopsy.
Signs & symptoms
Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, GARD says they may include:
- Belly pain
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of spleen; lca; littoral cell angioma of the spleen
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Littoral cell angioma.
Explore research for Littoral cell angioma
Explore actively recruiting Littoral cell angioma studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Littoral cell angioma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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