Cutaneous Angiosarcoma in an Unusual Location and Without Predisposing Factors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cutaneous angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive vascular tumor originating from endothelial cells.
• Typically affects the head and neck, presenting as diverse skin lesions, often delaying diagnosis.
• Extremity involvement is uncommon, particularly without known risk factors like chronic lymphoedema or radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of extensive lower limb cutaneous angiosarcoma in an elderly patient.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and poor prognosis associated with atypical presentations.
• To highlight the importance of high clinical suspicion and prompt biopsy for diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an 82-year-old female with extensive lower limb cutaneous angiosarcoma.
• Review of clinical presentation, metastatic disease, and therapy response.
• Discussion of diagnostic challenges and literature review on predisposing factors.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with extensive lower limb cutaneous involvement and distant metastatic disease.
• The tumor showed a poor response to therapy.
• The rare location and absence of typical predisposing factors complicated the diagnostic process.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous angiosarcoma of the extremities is rare and presents with significant diagnostic delays due to varied presentations.
• A high index of suspicion is necessary, as absence of predisposing factors should not rule out the diagnosis.
• Biopsy with immunohistochemistry is essential for confirming suspected skin lesions and improving patient outcomes.