A large hemangioma of the breast influencing the management of breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Hemangiomas are a rare welldemarcated proliferation of mature blood vessels lined by a single layer of endothelial cells occurring in up to 1.3% of mastectomy specimens. Accurate diagnosis often requires the incorporation of clinical, radiological, and histological features. Case Report: A 61-year-old female presented with a self-detected right breast lesion. Initial work-up revealed a right breast lesion at 12 o’clock with core biopsy confirming intermediate grade ductal carcinoma in situ. The management was complicated by the presence of a large right chest wall congenital cavernous hemangioma. Wide local excision of the breast lesion was performed with no sentinel lymph node biopsy done due to extensive vascular malformation. Further excision of margins was required to achieve surgical clearance. Conclusion: Despite its rarity, clinicians should be aware of the potential occurrence of a hemangioma on the breast and potential implications for the surgical management of breast cancer.