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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Kunkel
Thomas
T
First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Maistrasse 11, Munich, Germany.
Mylonas
Ioannis
I
Mayr
Doris
D
Friese
Klaus
K
Sommer
Harald L
HL
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006394:Hemangiosarcoma / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors