Primary breast angiosarcoma: a case report

Fui Tin Pang,Sze Yuen Lee,Maninderpal Kaur

doi:10.1186/s43055-021-00494-1

Abstract

BackgroundAngiosarcomas are rare and fast growing tumors that arise from vascular structures. This case report is significant because it is rare and may cause treatment delay if not considered as a differential diagnosis. Hence, we aim to inform efficient, appropriate, and evidence-based imaging practice to the benefit of patients regionally and worldwide.Case presentationThirty-five-year-old lady, presented with a large left breast swelling. She had recent history of trauma to the breast which initially caused confusion regarding the possible diagnosis. Ultrasound and MRI raised high suspicion of an angiosarcoma. Patient went through embolectomy prior to mastectomy and axillary clearance. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of an angiosarcoma. She had no distant metastases at the time of diagnosis and the patient was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, she returned with recurrence within 1-year duration.ConclusionPrimary breast angiosarcomas are rare aggressive vascular tumors with generally poor prognosis and no pathognomonic signs on radiological imaging, especially mammogram. Ultrasound and MRI do help in characterizing these tumors and raising the suspicion of a vascular tumor. Ultrasound-guided biopsy is recommended to avoid unnecessary complications. In young patients with rapidly growing, highly vascular breast tumors, a differential diagnosis of primary angiosarcomas should be considered until proven otherwise.

Highlights

Angiosarcomas are rare and fast growing tumors that arise from vascular structures
Angiosarcomas are aggressive tumors that arise from vascular structures and often have metastases at the time of diagnosis
Primary breast angiosarcomas are exceedingly rare as compared to secondary breast angiosarcomas, representing 0.04% of all malignant breast tumors [3, 4]

Summary

Introduction

Angiosarcomas are rare and fast growing tumors that arise from vascular structures. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of an angiosarcoma She had no distant metastases at the time of diagnosis and the patient was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Angiosarcomas are aggressive tumors that arise from vascular structures and often have metastases at the time of diagnosis. They are rare and account for < 1% of all sarcomas [1, 2]. Primary breast angiosarcomas are exceedingly rare as compared to secondary breast angiosarcomas, representing 0.04% of all malignant breast tumors [3, 4] They commonly occur in younger age groups, whereas secondary breast angiosarcomas occur in older age groups and are strongly related to post-radiation therapy or prolonged lymphedema secondary to mastectomy and axillary clearance.

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