Low-grade dermal angiosarcoma of the breast following radiotherapy.
Dermal angiosarcoma is a rare complication of radiotherapy. It is characterized by an aggressive nature and is distinct from other forms of angiosarcoma in that it does not always present with chronic lymphedema. A few case reports have appeared of cutaneous angiosarcoma arising in women previously treated with breast-conserving treatment and radiation for breast cancer. A review of the literature reveals that these lesions are difficult to diagnose because of their rarity and their highly variable and benign appearance, which may mimic radiation-induced changes in the skin. The majority of the literature reports describe high-grade lesions; only one case of low-grade angiosarcoma was described. We now report a second case of low-grade angiosarcoma arising 10 years after segmental mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, and radiation treatment for infiltrating ductal carcinoma. The prompt diagnosis of dermal angiosarcoma is strongly dependent upon a high index of suspicion. Biopsy should be considered in patients who present with new skin lesions after radiation treatment for breast cancer.
Bolin
D J
DJ
Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA.
Lukas
G M
GM
D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006394:Hemangiosarcoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors