Angiosarcoma: An update on current treatment modalities.

Abstract

Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumour affecting vascular endothelial cells that can affect any anatomical location. We report a case of an 84-year-old male who initially presented to our dermatology clinic with a two-months history of extensive yellow, dusky partially ecchymotic discolouration affecting the left cheek. Within two months, this discolouration became variegated, rapidly spreading to involve the forehead, occiput, left periorbital and left pre- and post-auricular regions. An associated indistinct mass around the left parotid region was also noted on examination. Histopathology of left zygoma and left cheek biopsy was consistent with classical angiosarcoma. The patient was treated with palliative radiotherapy to improve symptoms and improve quality of life which proved unsuccessful. Diagnosis of angiosarcoma is frequently late due to the early interpretation by the patient as a benign lesion similar to ecchymosis, which explains why most patients are not diagnosed prior to widespread metastasis. Its abysmal prognosis means that not only is a prompt diagnosis of paramount importance for clinician to make but also important is the efficacy of treatment options that we can offer patients. Herein we present an up to date review of current and new reported treatment options for angiosarcoma.