INTRODUCTION: Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare finding. Two different subtypes of angiosarcomas have been described: (a) the Stewart-Treves syndrome and (b) the cutaneous post-radiation angiosarcoma. We report a case where both types of angiosarcoma occurred. CASE REPORT: At first, an angiosarcoma affecting parenchyma of the breast was observed after radiotherapy following breast conserving therapy and a history of lymphoedema of the radiated area. Additionally, a subsequent local recurrence of the angiosarcoma of the skin after mastectomy and complete resection of the primary angiosarcoma was diagnosed. DISCUSSION: This case is distinguished by a short latency period after primary therapy (less than 4 years) and a rapid recurrence after complete resection (14 weeks). Patients should be pointed to this possible complication of radiotherapy and transferred to seek medical advice immediately in case of skin lesion in the irradiated area: even many years after radiotherapy. Additionally, every oncologist should be aware of this rare complication as quick diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment is indispensable due to the aggressive entity of angiosarcoma.

Angiosarcoma of the breast. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008 Feb;190(2):533-8.

OBJECTIVE: This article describes the imaging findings, pathologic correlation, and clinical presentation of rare primary and secondary angiosarcomas of the breast. CONCLUSION: With the increasing use of breast conservation therapy for breast cancer, reports of postirradiation angiosarcoma have increased. Both primary and secondary angiosarcomas may present with bruiselike skin discoloration, which may delay the diagnosis. Imaging findings are nonspecific. MRI may be used to determine lesion extent by showing rapid enhancement and washout in high-grade tumors.