Early Onset Angiosarcoma of the Breast Following Breast Conserving Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Breast angiosarcoma following treatment for breast cancer is a rare event and generally presents no earlier than 6 years after treatment. We identified 2 cases of early-onset angiosarcoma and evaluated patient and treatment factors. Methods: At our large multi-hospital health system, the tumor registry was searched for breast sarcoma from 2000-2020. Patient, tumor, and treatment details were collected. Results: 39 patients were identified, 4 with radiation induced angiosarcoma following breast cancer treatment (range 3-11 years). Two of the cases were early-onset, diagnosed at 3 and 4 years respectively. Patient 1 underwent BCT at age 44 for T1bN0 estrogen positive Her2 negative breast cancer. She presented 3 years later with progressive skin discoloration. After a delay of 3 months as multiple providers thought this was bruising secondary to trauma sustained during a fall, she was referred to breast surgery and punch biopsy was diagnostic for angiosarcoma (Figure 1). She underwent right mastectomy revealing 9.7-cm of high grade angiosarcoma. Patient 2 underwent BCT at 72 for T1cN1a estrogen positive Her2 negative breast cancer. She presented 4 years later with a suspicious skin finding. Punch biopsy was diagnostic for angiosarcoma. She underwent right mastectomy revealing 8-cm of high grade angiosarcoma. Conclusions: Radiation induced breast angiosarcoma is a known but rare entity typically occurring at least 6 years after treatment for breast cancer; however, it should remain high on the differential for patients with suspicious breast lesions before 6 years to avoid a delay in diagnosis as early-onset angiosarcoma does occur.https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/merf2020caserpt/1126/thumbnail.jp