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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
Surgical treatment of angiosarcoma of the scalp with superficial parotidectomy
So-Young Lim1, Jai-Kyong Pyon, Goo-Hyun Mun
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. pslisy@naver.com
Abstract:
Angiosarcomas of the scalp area are rare tumors mostly affecting elderly patients. In many series, potential treatment options for patients with scalp angiosarcoma have included surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Surgery combined with radiation therapy, however, did not appear to cure many patients. For these reasons, there is a serious need for the development of new approaches. We report our experience of 8 patients presenting angiosarcoma solely of the scalp. Our procedure consisted in radical tumor resection of the scalp with minimal 5-cm safety margins from the most peripheral scatted lesions with burring of the external table of the cranium, ipsilateral superficial parotidectomy, and ipsilateral upper neck dissection. After resection of the tumor of the scalp, the latissimus dorsi free flap was used for coverage of the defect. With prophylactic dissection of these regional lymph nodes, we could achieve better results and, at least, prolonged time to local recurrence and distant metastasis.
Insights
This study presents a surgical approach for rare scalp angiosarcomas. The procedure involves radical resection, lymph node dissection, and flap reconstruction, improving outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Scalp angiosarcomas are rare, aggressive vascular tumors.
- Standard treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy show limited efficacy.
- There is a critical need for improved therapeutic strategies.
Observation:
- Eight patients with scalp angiosarcoma underwent a specific surgical protocol.
- The procedure included radical resection with 5-cm margins, cranial bone burring, parotidectomy, and neck dissection.
- Reconstruction utilized a latissimus dorsi free flap for defect coverage.
Findings:
- The described surgical technique aims for complete tumor removal and regional control.
- Prophylactic lymph node dissection was incorporated to improve oncological outcomes.
- This approach demonstrated potential for prolonged time to local recurrence and distant metastasis.
Implications:
- This surgical strategy may offer a more effective treatment option for scalp angiosarcomas.
- Aggressive resection and regional lymph node management are crucial for better patient outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to validate this approach in larger cohorts.
