[Cutaneous angiosarcoma after telecobalt irradiation]

Cutaneous angiosarcomas are rare neoplasms. They occur most frequently on areas of skin exposed to sunlight in the elderly, or in long-standing lymphoedema (Stewart-Treves syndrome). Radiation is an important aetiological factor. With only 1 exception, the 34 published cases of cutaneous angiosarcoma on the trunk were caused by irradiation of internal tumours, occurring between 4 and 50 years after the irradiation treatment. The prognosis quoad vitam is poor. The tumours should be removed surgically. When they are inoperable, irradiation is an alternative therapeutic option. The aim of this paper is to show the histological differential diagnosis of cutaneous angiosarcomas and to demonstrate problems with the treatment.