Angiosarcomas of the breast: a review of 70 cases

Angiosarcoma arising in the irradiated breast after breast-conserving therapy is being reported with increasing frequency. As more women undergo breast-conserving therapy, the incidence can be expected to increase. The objective of this study was to review breast angiosarcomas diagnosed from 1981 to 2000 from our state cancer registry.

A comprehensive review of a population-based registry, Florida Cancer Data System, identified 70 cases of breast angiosarcomas from 1981 to 2000. Descriptive statistical and chi analyses were performed.

Of the 70 cases at presentation, 39 were primary breast angiosarcomas (PBAs) and 31 were secondary breast angiosarcomas (SBAs). The mean ages were 59 and 72.9 for the PBA and SBA groups, respectively. In the SBA group the mean age of breast cancer diagnosis was 67.6. The mean time to diagnosis of the angiosarcoma was 5.2 years after breast cancer irradiation. At presentation 82% (n = 32) and 48% (n = 15), in the PBA and SBA groups, respectively had local disease (P = 0.003). The primary treatment was mastectomy in each group. There was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups (PSA; n = 18, SBA; n = 17).

Angiosarcoma of the breast is rare and this study reports a review of 70 cases from 1980 to 2000. Angiosarcoma after breast-conserving therapy is increasingly diagnosed in a small but significant portion of breast carcinoma survivors. SBA patients present with more advance disease. Surgical resection is the primary therapy. The aggressive nature of this disease demands further investigation of adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence of disease after surgery.