An Overview of Angiosarcomas of the Breast

An angiosarcoma is a very rare but fast and aggressive form of cancer that begins in the cells in the inner lining of blood vessels or lymph vessels. Approximately 0.1% to 0.2% of all breast cancers are angiosarcomas. There are two types of angiosarcomas of the breast: primary and secondary. Primary sarcomas occur in people who have never been treated for breast cancer. In contrast, secondary angiosarcomas occur in people previously treated for breast cancer, especially those who have gone through radiation therapy. Secondary angiosarcomas typically resurface 6 to 10 years after radiation therapy.

Angiosarcomas of the breast may present these symptoms:

• Thickened areas of skin on the breast
• Swelling of breast
• Breast lump that may be painful
• Discolored rash or bruise-like skin on the breast that may bleed easily when scratched or bumped

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Angiosarcomas are generally diagnosed, like all other breast cancers, through imaging tests, followed by a biopsy to confirm the type of cancer if a suspicious finding is detected. Imaging tests include:

• Diagnostic mammogram
• Breast ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)

Treatment for angiosarcomas tends to be very aggressive due to their fast-growing nature. Treatment options generally include one or a combination of the following:

• Surgery

Suppose the angiosarcoma is in an accessible location, the medical team will attempt to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Depending on the tumor size, this will be done through a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

• Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be recommended before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor or after surgery to get rid of any remaining cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy (for cases not related to prior breast radiation)

Angiosarcomas in inaccessible locations can be treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

According to a 2017 study comprising 472 participants with angiosarcoma of the breast, the 5-year relative survival rate for primary and secondary angiosarcomas of the breast are as follows:

It can be incredibly difficult to receive a cancer prognosis. Several factors can impact the prognosis, including age, cancer stage and timing of detection. These variables can be overwhelming, but it's essential to work closely with a medical professional team to explore all available options.