Angiosarcoma of the breast; report of a case and literature review

ABSTRACT

Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare tumor that accounts for 0.04% of all breast neoplasms at the third and fourth decades of life; in contrast with carcinoma, which generally arises later. Angiosarcoma of the breast usually manifests as a painless, palpable mass without tenderness, with or without bluish-red discoloration of the overlying skin. Angiosarcoma has a high mortality rate and a very poor prognosis. Mastectomy and chemotherapy are the most likely choices of treatment for a primary angiosarcoma of the breast. Immunotherapy may also play a part in treating this rare type of breast cancer. This paper presents a case of angiosarcoma of the breast, and relevant data in the literature is also reviewed to discuss the questions on its origin, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment