Angiosarcoma of the scalp in a 79-year-old male: A case report
- Author:
Erika Kim R. Chan
1
;
Charlene Marie U. Ang-Tiu
1
;
Mary Elizabeth S. Danga
1
;
Michael Jeff B. Fontano
2
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords: Oncology
- MeSH: Hemangiosarcoma; Scalp; Neoplasms
- From: Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2021;30(1):49-52
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Angiosarcoma is a rare head and neck sarcoma of vascular endothelial cell origin. We report a case of angiosar-
coma in an elderly male, and the multidisciplinary approach employed in his treatment.
Case report:A 79-year-old male presented with a 4-month history of a rapidly enlarging black, soft, immovable tumor surround- ed by bruise-like patches over the right temporoparietal scalp. There was associated pruritus and bleeding when scratched. Dermoscopy showed bluish black crusts over the tumor, and surrounding violaceous patches. Wedge biopsy revealed a dermis with irregular vascular spaces infiltrating dermis, lined by atypical endothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry of the atypical in- filtrative cells was positive for CD31. These findings were consistent with angiosarcoma. The patient underwent wide excision with a rotational flap and split thickness skin graft. Postoperatively, the patient was referred to Oncology for adjuvant radiation therapy.
Conclusion:Even with treatment, the prognosis of angiosarcoma remains poor due to its aggressive nature, with a 5-year sur- vival rate ranging from 10-54%. However, early detection of the disease may increase patient survival rates. This rare case shows the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion for lesions that have an atypical presentation to prevent delays in man- agement and improve patient outcomes. - Full text:jpds10.pdf
