Sepsis Associated With Aggressive Cutaneous Angiosarcoma

TL;DR

A patient with aggressive cutaneous angiosarcoma developed sepsis from a rapidly growing wound, and treatment focused on managing infection and confirming the cancer diagnosis.

Contribution

This case report highlights sepsis as a rare but severe complication of cutaneous angiosarcoma.

Findings

Sepsis occurred in a patient with aggressive cutaneous angiosarcoma in a sun-protected area.

Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous angiosarcoma.

Treatment included targeting causative organisms and palliative chemotherapy based on patient-centered decisions.

Abstract

Cutaneous angiosarcoma is an aggressive tumor most commonly presenting on the head and neck. In this case report, we describe the presentation of sepsis secondary to an aggressive and rapidly expanding wound, located in a sun-protected area on the body, in a patient with multiple concurrent comorbidities. Treatment was tailored toward targeting the causative organisms, as well as identifying the histologic morphology of the pathologic legion. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were used to confirm the diagnosis of cutaneous angiosarcoma, and the patient-centered decision surrounding palliative chemotherapy is outlined.

Figures