Lymphangiosarcoma in the postmastectomy lymphedematous arm

Postmastectomy lymphangiosarcoma-temporary response to cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in 2 cases

“…Radiotherapy to the involved limb has been widely used with some subsequent regression of the tumour, but there are only 3 recorded cases of long-term survival after such treatment (Rawson and Frank, 1953;Southwick and Slaughter, 1955;Herrmann and Ariel, 1967). Local excision of an early lesion (with or without skin grafting) and forearm amputation have also been recommended, but the prognosis after surgery is equally bad with only isolated cases surviving for more than 3 years (McCarthy and Pack, 1950;Bowers et al, 1955;Taswell et al, 1962;Barnett et al, 1969;Fitzpatrick, 1969). The results of chemotherapy on the established tumour have not been well documented, but they also appear to be discouraging.…”