Clinical Impact of Systemic Staging Studies in Secondary Breast Angiosarcoma
Kelsey E Larson1, Benjamin Powers2, Jason Gatewood3
1Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City KS 66160.
Surgery in Practice and Science
|January 23, 2025
Summary
Local and systemic imaging for secondary breast angiosarcoma (SBAS) at diagnosis and follow-up had minimal clinical impact. Most recurrences were detected by exam or symptoms, not routine imaging.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Breast Cancer Research
Background:
- Secondary breast angiosarcoma (SBAS) is a rare diagnosis.
- Understanding the role of imaging in SBAS management is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical impact of local and systemic imaging for SBAS at diagnosis and during follow-up.
- To assess the utility of imaging in detecting disease extent and recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of SBAS patients treated between 2007 and 2020.
- Analysis of clinicopathologic data, including local and systemic imaging at diagnosis and follow-up.
- Evaluation of the clinical impact of imaging on patient management.
Main Results:
- In-breast imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI) at diagnosis did not alter clinical management.
- In-breast imaging did not correlate with the pathologic extent of SBAS.
- Systemic staging rarely identified asymptomatic metastatic disease (5%).
- Most SBAS recurrences (90%) were detected by physical exam or new symptoms, not routine imaging.
Conclusions:
- Targeted breast imaging does not reliably estimate SBAS extent.
- While asymptomatic metastatic disease is uncommon, symptomatic evaluation is warranted.
- Further research is needed to determine optimal imaging strategies for SBAS.
