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Angiosarcoma mimicking rhinophyma.
Maurizio Lo Presti1, Caterina Mazzella, Ambra Monfrecola
1Department of Pathology Systematics, Section of Dermatology, University Federico II of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Dermatology Research and Practice
|July 16, 2010
Summary
A persistent nasal skin condition initially diagnosed as rhinophyma was found to be cutaneous angiosarcoma. This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses for deceptive skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Rhinophyma is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the nose.
- Cutaneous angiosarcoma is a rare vascular malignancy of the skin.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old man presented with a year-long history of erythematous macules, plaques, and nodules on his nose.
- Initial diagnosis was rhinophyma, with treatments including antibiotics and steroids proving ineffective.
- Physical examination revealed large, infiltrative, erythematous plaques and nodules with telangiectatic vessels.
Findings:
- Histopathology and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous angiosarcoma.
- The clinical presentation was unusual and misleading, mimicking rhinophyma.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for thorough investigation of persistent or unresponsive skin lesions.
- It emphasizes the potential for rare malignancies to present with deceptively benign clinical features.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate oncological management and patient outcomes.
