Angiosarcoma of the head and neck: review of 11 cases

In this report, 11 cases of angiosarcoma of the head and neck are reviewed. The patients ranged in age from newborn to 78 years; mean age was 64 years. There were eight men and three women. Sites of involvement included the scalp and forehead, cheek, nose and ethmoid sinuses, neck, and mandible. Surgery was the primary method of treatment. The 2-year survival rate was 50% (5/10) and the 5-year survival rate was 22% (2/9). Regional metastases were seen in 18% (2/11). We found that the tumors were poorly circumscribed and spread horizontally within the dermis for considerable distances, especially in the scalp. Total surgical excision using frozen section control before reconstruction may offer the best chance for control of disease.