# Radiation-Induced Angiosarcoma Following Breast Surgery: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of radiation-induced angiosarcoma in the breast is reported, highlighting the importance of early detection and complete surgical removal for effective treatment.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on radiation-induced angiosarcoma and emphasizes the need for close follow-up after breast radiation therapy.

## Key findings

- A 72-year-old woman developed angiosarcoma 7 years after breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy.
- Complete surgical excision with negative margins led to pain relief and no recurrence after 6 months.
- Early detection and surgical intervention are critical for managing radiation-induced angiosarcoma.

## Abstract

Radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare but aggressive secondary malignancy that develops several years after breast surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy. Because of its poor prognosis and diagnostic challenges, early recognition and complete surgical excision are essential for optimal management.

We report a 72-year-old woman who presented with multiple painful, dark purple nodules in her left breast 7 years after breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy for adenoid cystic carcinoma. A core needle biopsy confirmed angiosarcoma. A total mastectomy with wide skin excision, including all overlying breast skin, and split-thickness skin grafting from the left thigh was performed to ensure negative margins, which were pathologically confirmed. Surgical removal of the tumor completely relieved her breast pain. She remains recurrence-free 6 months after surgery.

Treatment for radiation-induced angiosarcoma is primarily surgical, with mastectomy and negative margins being the standard approach. Early detection is crucial to achieve complete resection, emphasizing the importance of careful follow-up and close attention to skin changes in patients who have received breast surgery with radiation therapy.