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Angiosarcoma of the scalp. A case with a particularly aggressive evolution
R Schultheiss1, B Vion, E Frenk
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
An aggressive angiosarcoma of the scalp presented in an 80-year-old woman with a bleeding wound. Despite radiotherapy, the cancer rapidly progressed, leading to death within two months.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant vascular tumor.
- Scalp angiosarcoma often presents insidiously, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old woman presented with a spontaneously bleeding scalp wound.
- Clinical examination revealed a large hematoma, erosions, nodules, and cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Histopathological examination confirmed angiosarcoma after a second biopsy.
Findings:
- The angiosarcoma exhibited rapid and aggressive progression.
- Wide-field electron-beam radiotherapy was ineffective in controlling the tumor.
- The patient succumbed to the disease within two months of diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the aggressive nature of some angiosarcomas, particularly on the scalp.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for potentially improving outcomes.
- Treatment resistance underscores the need for further research into novel therapeutic strategies for angiosarcoma.