- Colleen M Johnson: Department of Surgery, Temple University/Conemaugh's Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA.
PURPOSE: Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare occurrence.
METHODS: We report a case of a 35- year-old woman who presented with a highly vascular mass that had nearly replaced her right breast.
RESULTS: Initial diagnosis reported the tumor as benign. However, permanent sections were sent to the Mayo Clinic, where the diagnosis of angiosarcoma of the breast was confirmed. The mass was removed via a total mastectomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was also prescribed. A review of the literature suggested that the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy were not well defined, but in the case described, adjuvant chemotherapy appeared to offer the best prognosis.
CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radiography is generally not indicated for angiosarcoma. Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is difficult to diagnose, with no pathognomonic features radiographically. We concluded that solid-appearing breast tumors, which are also highly vascular, should be considered malignant until proven otherwise. Surgical removal followed by adjuvant chemotherapy appears to afford the best prognosis.