Angiosarcoma of the breast following lumpectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, and radiotherapy for primary breast cancer: three case reports and a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION

One of the risks of therapeutic irradiation is the development of secondary malignant tumors. In this paper three cases are reported of angiosarcoma of the breast following breast-conserving surgery and irradiation for primary breast cancer, and the literature is reviewed.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Until now, 13 other cases of postirradiation angiosarcoma of the breast have been reported. The mean interval between treatment of primary breast cancer and the development of angiosarcoma in these 16 patients is 76 months. The clinical aspect is typical with multiple bluish or purple nodules of the skin, purple discolorations, erythematous maculas or areas, sometimes combined with ulceration, edema, or a palpable mass. Mammography does not necessarily raise suspicion and the interpretation of fine-needle aspiration or biopsy may be difficult.

RESULTS

In all patients mastectomy was performed, Follow-up data are available for 12 cases. Two patients died of extensive local recurrences and one of distant metastases.

CONCLUSION

Angiosarcoma of the previously irradiated breast is an extremely rare tumor and diagnosis may be difficult. The number of patients with long-term follow-up after breast-conserving therapy is growing fast. Therefore, the authors advise to pay special attention to uncommon skin changes of the treated breast, since clinical suspicion is the main clue to the diagnosis of postirradiation angiosarcoma. The primary therapy is (simple) mastectomy if wide tumor-free margins can be achieved. There is no indication for standard adjuvant chemotherapy or irradiation.