title: Prognostic features in angiosarcoma of the head and neck: a retrospective monocenter study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cutaneous angiosarcoma of the head and neck (cAS-HN) is a rare malignancy with poor survival. Most of the histological markers and grading were not proven to be significant for prediction of outcomes in cAS-HN. This study aimed to find prognostic clinical features and histologic markers for cAS-HN.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analysed primary cAS-HN's seen in a single institution between 1980 and 2009. Clinical data and specific histologic characteristics were assessed. Outcome parameters were analysed using uni- and multivariate statistics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  80 patients (mean age 71.4 (SD 14.4) years, average follow-up time 55.3 (SD 74.4) months) were included. 5-year DSS rate was 62%. Univariate analysis revealed the extent of primary tumour (affecting more than one anatomical region), incomplete resection and initial metastatic disease as significant (p < 0.05) predictors for unfavourable disease specific survival (DSS) rates and time. Multivariate analysis confirmed age over 70 years, incomplete resection and initially distant metastasis influencing outcome adversely. Analysis of specific histological markers in 37 cases found patterns of growth (solid areas greater than 80%) associated with better survival (p = 0.011).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion age, number of affected regions, initial metastasis, complete initial resection and pattern of growth significantly affected mortality rates.
authors: Department of Plastic Surgery (Head Dr. A. Krause-Bergmann), Fachklinik Hornheide, Dorbaumstrasse 300, 48157 Muenster, Germany.
authors: Therese
authors: T
authors: Dettenborn
authors: Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. Dr. Dr. M. Klein), Head and Neck Cancer Centre, Fachklinik Hornheide, Dorbaumstrasse 300, 48157 Muenster, Germany. Electronic address: Kai.Wermker@fachklinik-hornheide.de.
authors: Kai
authors: K
authors: Wermker
authors: Department of Dermatology and Histopathology (Head Priv.-Doz. Dr. H.-J. Schulze), Skin Cancer Centre, Fachklinik Hornheide, Dorbaumstrasse 300, 48157 Muenster, Germany.
authors: Hans-Joachim
authors: HJ
authors: Schulze
authors: Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. Dr. Dr. M. Klein), Head and Neck Cancer Centre, Fachklinik Hornheide, Dorbaumstrasse 300, 48157 Muenster, Germany.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Klein
authors: Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. Dr. Dr. M. Klein), Head and Neck Cancer Centre, Fachklinik Hornheide, Dorbaumstrasse 300, 48157 Muenster, Germany.
authors: Volker
authors: V
authors: Schwipper
authors: Department of Dermatology and Histopathology (Head Priv.-Doz. Dr. H.-J. Schulze), Skin Cancer Centre, Fachklinik Hornheide, Dorbaumstrasse 300, 48157 Muenster, Germany.
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Hallermann
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006394:Hemangiosarcoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D060787:Neoplasm Grading; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012535:Scalp / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
keywords: Angiosarcoma; Grading; Head and neck; Histology; Outcome; Prognosis