Secondary angiosarcoma following catheter-based brachytherapy

Breast J. 2021 Feb;27(2):173-175. doi: 10.1111/tbj.14144. Epub 2020 Dec 23.

Abstract

Secondary angiosarcoma of the breast following catheter-based brachytherapy after lumpectomy is rare. We describe a case of a patient with breast cancer treated with partial mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy followed by accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), who developed skin changes 6 years after completion of therapy. Punch biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of secondary angiosarcoma. This case is even more unique in that the location of the skin changes was remote to the lumpectomy site. There is a critical need to recognize secondary angiosarcoma presentation after APBI and determine the rate of occurrence compared with traditional external beam irradiation.

Keywords: Mammosite; accelerated partial breast irradiation; breast cancer; catheter brachytherapy; secondary angiosarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brachytherapy* / adverse effects
  • Breast Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Catheters
  • Female
  • Hemangiosarcoma* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy
  • Mastectomy, Segmental