Epithelioid Angiosarcoma: Five Questions and Answers on Thomas Gottschalk's Cancer Diagnosis

Entertainer Thomas Gottschalk publicly disclosed his diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma in late 2025, a rare and aggressive cancer. The 75-year-old has undergone multiple surgeries and recently stated that doctors currently consider him cancer-free, though regular follow-up checks continue.

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Angio means vessel, sarcoma means soft tissue tumor.

Epithelioid angiosarcoma is a rare malignant soft tissue tumor that grows rapidly. It originates from the cells that line blood vessels. "Angio" refers to vessels, and "sarcoma" indicates a soft tissue tumor. These tumors can appear anywhere in the body. They are frequently found on the scalp, presenting as red or dark red spots, but can also occur in the heart, abdomen, and limbs, according to Thomas Brodowicz of the Clinical Department of Oncology at the University Hospital for Internal Medicine.

The epithelioid variant, characterized by cells resembling epithelial cells, predominantly affects men and primarily impacts deep soft tissues, such as the abdomen or urogenital area. If the angiosarcoma is localized and has not metastasized, treatment aims for a complete cure. Brodowicz notes that many patients with localized angiosarcoma have lived for years or even decades. For metastatic angiosarcoma, the treatment is not curative, but some patients have survived up to ten years.

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I know many patients who lived for years and decades after a localized angiosarcoma.

Due to the rarity of this cancer, precise statistics on healing chances are limited. Unlike more common cancers like breast or lung cancer, a reliable risk assessment for epithelioid angiosarcoma is not feasible. Angiosarcomas in the abdominal area often present no symptoms for a long time, leading to late detection and a less favorable prognosis. Symptoms vary depending on the tumor's location; for instance, pressure on the bladder or ureter can cause pain, and growth into these organs may lead to blood in the urine. Heart angiosarcomas can cause arrhythmias, while those on the scalp or limbs may appear as dark red spots.

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There is no typical symptom.