Angiosarcoma of the Breast: Overview of Current Data and Multimodal Imaging Findings

Abstract

Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare breast cancer, which can arise de novo (primary breast angiosarcoma, PBA) or as a secondary malignancy (secondary breast angiosarcoma, SBA) as a result of a biological insult. In the latter case, it is usually diagnosed in patients with a previous history of radiation therapy following a conserving treatment for breast cancer. Over the years, the advances in early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, with increasing use of breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy (instead of radical mastectomy), brought about an increased incidence of the secondary type. PBA and SBA have different clinical presentations and often represent a diagnostic challenge due to the nonspecific imaging findings. The purpose of this paper is to review and describe the radiological features of breast angiosarcoma, both in conventional and advanced imaging to guide radiologists in the diagnosis and management of this rare tumor.

Angiosarcoma of the breast: A review

“…Approximately one-third of patients may experience incorrect negative results in molybdenum target examinations, possibly due to the dense glandular structure [ 6 ]. In contrast, BA is characterized by vascular lumens, low cell density, and growth along the interface between fat and glandular tissue, lacking clear boundaries [ 21 ]. Ultrasound evaluation of angiosarcoma lacks distinct features, with rarely observed typical mass effects characterized by a gradual transition of borders with the surrounding normal tissue.…”

Mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in the pathogenesis of sarcomas

“…В первичных ангиосаркомах, выявленных во время беременности, этих рецепторов обнаружено не было. Возможно, дальнейшие исследования на боль шей популяции позволят выяснить роль гормональных рецепторов и, следовательно, эндокринных факторов в патогенезе этого подтипа сарком [20,21].…”

Primary angiosarcoma of the breast in a 21-year-old female: A case report

“…The risk factors for angiosarcomas include radiation history, long-standing lymphoedema, carcinogens and some familial syndromes. 4 – 6 …”