Dados do Trabalho

Título

Breast Angiosarcoma: Unmasking an Aggressive Tumor Through Imaging

Introdução e objetivo(s)

Breast sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors. Angiosarcomas represent the primary histological subtype of all breast sarcomas. It is a very aggressive malignant tumor of the vascular endothelium characterized by high vascularity and a propensity for rapid progression. This pictorial essay reviews the definition and provides an overview of angiosarcomas.

Método(s)

This retrospective study of illustrative cases highlights the characteristic presentation of angiosarcoma, details the diagnostic process, and underscores the importance of clinical-radiological correlation.

Discussão

The clinical presentation of angiosarcoma varies widely, often leading to diagnostic challenges. Cutaneous angiosarcomas typically manifest as bruising, violaceous plaques, or nodular lesions, whereas deep-seated or visceral angiosarcomas may remain asymptomatic until advanced stages. The non-specific nature of these presentations underscores the importance of multimodal imaging in the diagnostic workflow.
There are two main types: primary occurs without a known precursor and usually in younger women without a previous history of breast carcinoma or any associated factor; secondary can occur after radiotherapy, with the median latency to presentation from 5 to 10 years after the therapy or in cases of chronic lymphedema secondary to axillary lymph node dissection for mammary carcinoma, also called Stewart-Treves syndrome.
Radiologically, angiosarcomas exhibit heterogeneity. Due to their vascular nature, they often present as ill-defined masses with significant enhancement on contrast imaging. MRI and CT scans provide valuable anatomical details, with MRI being particularly useful in soft tissue involvement. PET-CT plays a crucial role in staging and detecting metastatic disease. However, given the overlap in imaging features with other vascular tumors, histopathological confirmation remains the gold standard for diagnosis.

Conclusões

Diagnosing angiosarcoma requires a multidisciplinary approach combining clinical assessment, imaging, and histopathology. Recognizing its diverse presentation and leveraging advanced imaging techniques can facilitate early detection and intervention, ultimately improving prognosis.

Palavras Chave

Breast angiosarcoma; diagnosis

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