Abstract
BackgroundAngiosarcomas are rare tumors that carry poor prognosis. Because of insidious growth rate, the diagnosis is often difficult and delayed. MethodsBetween 1990 and 2011, 72 (41 female, 31 male) patients were treated at our institution. Pathologic confirmation was obtained and multiple prognostic factors were evaluated for survival. ResultsForty-four cases were sporadic and 28 cases were secondary. In the sporadic group, 16 (36%) patients had increased sun exposure, while in the secondary group, the majority (n = 23, 82%) of patients had prior exposure to radiation. The latent period between radiation exposure and diagnosis was predictive of survival (P = .037). Presentation was delayed by more than 3 months in 41% of patients. The majority of men developed head and neck angiosarcomas (n = 15, 48.5%), while women developed breast angiosarcomas (n = 21, 51%). Median survival was prolonged in patients treated initially with surgery. ConclusionsA delay in the diagnosis of angiosarcoma can affect survival. Clinical suspicion and prompt diagnosis are essential for successful multimodal therapy. Initial surgical resection with adjuvant chemotherapy provides survival advantage.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.