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Recurrence of secondary angiosarcoma in a patient with post-radiated breast for breast cancer

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Abstract

Introduction

Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare finding. Two different subtypes of angiosarcomas have been described: (a) the Stewart–Treves syndrome and (b) the cutaneous post-radiation angiosarcoma. We report a case where both types of angiosarcoma occurred.

Case report

At first, an angiosarcoma affecting parenchyma of the breast was observed after radiotherapy following breast conserving therapy and a history of lymphoedema of the radiated area. Additionally, a subsequent local recurrence of the angiosarcoma of the skin after mastectomy and complete resection of the primary angiosarcoma was diagnosed.

Discussion

This case is distinguished by a short latency period after primary therapy (less than 4 years) and a rapid recurrence after complete resection (14 weeks). Patients should be pointed to this possible complication of radiotherapy and transferred to seek medical advice immediately in case of skin lesion in the irradiated area: even many years after radiotherapy. Additionally, every oncologist should be aware of this rare complication as quick diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment is indispensable due to the aggressive entity of angiosarcoma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig–Maximilians-University Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany

    Thomas Kunkel, Ioannis Mylonas, Klaus Friese & Harald L. Sommer

  2. Institute of Pathology, Ludwig–Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany

    Doris Mayr

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  1. Thomas Kunkel
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  2. Ioannis Mylonas
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Correspondence to Ioannis Mylonas.

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Thomas Kunkel and Ioannis Mylonas contributed equally.

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Kunkel, T., Mylonas, I., Mayr, D. et al. Recurrence of secondary angiosarcoma in a patient with post-radiated breast for breast cancer. Arch Gynecol Obstet 278, 497–501 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-008-0605-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-008-0605-8

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