Surgical Treatment and Prognosis of Angiosarcoma of the Scalp: A Retrospective Analysis of 14 Patients in a Single Institution

An Evaluation of Risk Factors for Intracranial Metastases of Sarcomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Sarcomas, a group of neoplasms comprising both tissue and bone soft tissue tumors, has an increasing prevalence in recent years. Prognosis significantly hinges on early detection, and if not detected early, may consequently metastasize. This review will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis characterizing the presentation and progression of brain metastases from bone and soft tissue cancers.

METHODS

The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were queried to identify studies reporting the incidence of intracranial brain metastases from primary sarcoma to the present. Abstract and full-text screening of 1822 initial articles returned by preliminary search yielded 28 studies for inclusion and data extraction. Qualitative assessment of the studies was conducted in accordance with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale criteria. Meta-analyses were applied to assess risk factors on outcomes.

RESULTS

The average age within the cohort was 27.9 years with a male and female prevalence of 59.1% and 40.9%, respectively. The odds ratio for living status (dead/alive) was calculated for several risk factors - male/female [OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.62, 2.07], single/multiple metastases [OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.35, 1.28], lung metastases/not [OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.85, 3.13], surgery/no surgery [OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.20, 1.21]. The standardized mean differences for duration from diagnoses to metastases were likewise analyzed - male/female [SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.15, 0.42], single/multiple metastases [SMD 0.11, 95% CI -0.20, 0.42], lung metastases/not [SMD -0.03, 95% CI -0.38, 0.32], surgery/no surgery [SMD 0.45, 95% CI -0.18, 1.09]. The standardized mean differences for duration from metastases to death were analyzed - lung metastases/not [SMD 0.43, 95% CI -0.08, 0.95].

CONCLUSIONS

Our study observed no statistically significant differences in mortality rate among several patient risk factors. Consequentially, there lacks a clear answer as to whether or not an association between mortality rates exists with these patient factors. As such, it is important to continue research in brain-metastasizing sarcomas despite their relative rarity.

MicroRNAs and angiosarcoma: are there promising reports?

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have garnered increasing attention for their potential implications in cancer pathogenesis, functioning either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Notably, angiosarcoma, along with various other cardiovascular tumors such as lipomas, rhabdomyomas, hemangiomas, and myxomas, has shown variations in the expression of specific miRNA subtypes. A substantial body of evidence underscores the pivotal involvement of miRNAs in the genesis of angiosarcoma and certain cardiovascular tumors. This review aims to delve into the current literature on miRNAs and their prospective applications in cardiovascular malignancies, with a specific focus on angiosarcoma. It comprehensively covers diagnostic methods, prognostic evaluations, and potential treatments while providing a recapitulation of angiosarcoma's risk factors and molecular pathogenesis, with an emphasis on the role of miRNAs. These insights can serve as the groundwork for designing randomized control trials, ultimately facilitating the translation of these findings into clinical applications. Moving forward, it is imperative for studies to thoroughly scrutinize the advantages and disadvantages of miRNAs compared to current diagnostic and prognostic approaches in angiosarcoma and other cardiovascular tumors. Closing these knowledge gaps will be crucial for harnessing the full potential of miRNAs in the realm of angiosarcoma and cardiovascular tumor research.

Primary non-radiation induced angiosarcoma of the parotid with epithelioid morphology

Angiosarcomas are rare, accounting for only 1-2% of sarcomas in the head and neck region. We present an extremely rare case of primary non-radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the parotid with epithelioid morphology which required a tertiary center second opinion for its histological characteristics. We discuss the presentation, imaging, diagnosis, characteristics, and pathway of this case. As parotid lumps are common, a surgical sieve is required to rule out other possible conditions. Early correct diagnosis is crucial in conditions such as angiosarcomas due to their quick metastatic potential.

John M. Cutaneous head and neck angiosarcoma: The 30-year UCLA experience

Background

Cutaneous angiosarcoma is an aggressive tumor commonly found in the head and neck region. There is no consensus regarding the definitive treatment for angiosarcoma.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review that evaluated 64 patients from 1983 to 2019. Demographic and clinical variables were examined for impact on recurrence using the time to recurrence and the overall survival in Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results

Average age at diagnosis was 71 (32-95) years, with a 2.8 male: female ratio. Surgery was utilized in 62% of patients, with mean defect size of 11.4 ± 8.1 cm. Recurrence was found in 70% of patients, and mean time to recurrence was 15.3 ± 12.3 months. Decreased recurrence was associated with use of intraoperative frozen section analysis (p = .036) and negative margins (p = .086). Two-year overall survival was 80%, and recurrence free survival was 30%.

Conclusions

Negative margins are associated with decreased recurrence, and intraoperative frozen section analysis may be considered to obtain preliminary surgical margins.Level of Evidence: 4.

Current understanding of angiosarcoma: disease biology and evolving treatment

Angiosarcoma is a very rare soft tissue sarcoma that originates from endothelial cells and typically has a poor prognosis. It is most commonly found in elderly white men and can occur anywhere in the body, particularly in the head, neck, and scalp. Patients who have undergone previous radiation treatment or who have chronic lymphedema also face an elevated risk of this condition. Various genetic changes are suspected to contribute to the development of angiosarcoma, and these changes have been identified as potential targets for treatment. For localized disease, wide surgical resection is often the prudent course of action. A multidisciplinary approach, which may include surgery, radiotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, is typically the most effective way to achieve favorable outcomes. In this review, we discuss the general understanding of angiosarcoma and its management, with a particular focus on the current evolving treatments for the disease.

Utility of Multimodal Treatment Protocols in the Management of Scalp Cutaneous Angiosarcoma

Cutaneous angiosarcomas are rare, aggressive tumors with high recurrence and poor prognosis. We share our experiences with the challenging surgical management of these lesions, focusing on both ablative and reconstructive outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional chart review was conducted of patients diagnosed with scalp cutaneous angiosarcoma between 2005 and 2021. Resectability, defect reconstruction, and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Thirty patients were included, 27 (90%) men and three (10%) women, with a mean age at diagnosis of 71.77 ± 7.3 years, and mean follow-up of 429.43 ± 305.6 days. Only 12 patients completed their regular follow-up, while the remaining patients died. There was a median survival of 443.50 days (range, 42-1283) and median time to recurrence of 21 days (range, 30-1690). Multimodal therapy compared with surgery alone had a significantly better overall median survival (468 days versus 71 days; P = 0.021). Defect coverage was obtained in 24 cases (75%) through an anterolateral thigh flap, two patients (6%) with a local transposition flap, and one patient (3%) with a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. The remaining three patients received a skin graft. All of the flaps survived, with one requiring a vein graft for venous congestion.

Conclusions

Timely multimodal therapy with a histologically safe margin, combined with adjuvant therapy, improves survival and delays recurrence and metastasis, in cutaneous angiosarcoma patients. An anterolateral thigh flap facilitates the coverage of wide defects. Further investigations of advanced treatment modalities such as immunotherapy and/or gene therapy are required to deal with this highly aggressive tumor.

Outcomes of Mesh Cranioplasty in Scalp-Free Tissue Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature to determine the prevalence and risk of the free flap and postoperative complications in scalp-free tissue reconstruction with synthetic mesh cranioplasty.

DATA SOURCES

Search strategies created with a medical librarian were implemented using multiple databases in May 2021.

REVIEW METHODS

Two reviewers independently performed the review, data extraction, and quality assessment. Cohort studies of patients with scalp-free tissue reconstruction with or without mesh cranioplasty were included. Studies that did not report whether mesh was used or did not separate outcomes by mesh use were excluded. The primary outcomes were free flap failure and postoperative complications. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis to estimate prevalence and prevalence ratios (PRs).

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies and 440 cases of scalp-free tissue reconstruction were included. The pooled prevalence of free flap failures and postoperative complications in patients with mesh cranioplasty was estimated at 7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3%-17%; p = .85, I²  = 0%) and 21% (95% CI, 14%-31%; p = .44, I²  = 0%), respectively. In a subgroup analysis, mesh cranioplasty was not associated with a significantly increased risk of free flap failure or postoperative complications when compared to cases without mesh cranioplasty; pooled PR 1.21 (95% CI, 0.50-2.88; p = .90, I²  = 0%) for free flap failure and PR 1.85 (95% CI, 0.89-3.85; p = .28, I²  = 19) for postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Synthetic mesh cranioplasty does not significantly increase the risk of free flap compromise or postoperative complications. A higher prevalence of postoperative recipient site complications was observed in patients with mesh cranioplasty.

Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Head and Neck-A Retrospective Analysis of 47 Patients

Simple Summary

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare sarcoma with dismal prognosis. To better characterize this disease and elucidate potential treatments that improve overall survival (OS), we conducted a retrospective study exploring clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of 47 patients with CAS of the head and neck treated at a tertiary academic center. We found that CAS continues to have a poor prognosis with high rates of recurrence even with current treatment modalities. Surgery was highly effective in improving OS in patients with disease that could be resected with low morbidity. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy (RT), and immunotherapy did not significantly improve OS. Our findings shed light on the current landscape of clinical characteristics and treatment of CAS and could prompt further research exploring new treatment options and role of immunotherapy in the management of this difficult disease.

Abstract

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor with blood vessel or lymphatic-type endothelial differentiation. It has a poor prognosis with lack of standardized treatment options. This study retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of 47 patients with CAS of the head and neck treated at an academic sarcoma center. Patient data were collected from the electronic medical records. 62% of patients were male with the scalp being the most commonly affected area (64%). The majority of patients presented with localized disease (53%). Median overall survival (OS) was 3.4 years with an OS of 36% at 5 years. There was a statistically significant increase in OS for patients who underwent surgery compared to those who did not (5.4 vs. 2.8 years). In contrast, radiotherapy (RT) or chemotherapy did not significantly increase OS. 45% of patients had recurrence of disease during their treatment course with a median time to recurrence of 22.8 months. There was not a significant difference in OS for patients who underwent immunotherapy compared to those who underwent chemotherapy, although only a few patients received immunotherapy. We found that surgery was an effective treatment modality in patients with easily resectable disease, while RT, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy did not significantly improve OS.

Lack of association between anatomical sites of scalp melanomas and brain metastases does not support direct vascular spread

Primary scalp melanomas are associated with a higher rate of brain metastasis than primary cutaneous melanomas occurring at other head and neck and body sites, but the reason is unclear. Spread to brain parenchyma via emissary veins draining from the scalp to dural sinuses has been suggested. We sought to examine the locations of metastases from primary scalp and nonscalp head and neck melanomas to determine whether there was anatomical evidence supporting direct venous spread to the brain. Data from patients who developed distant metastases from cutaneous head and neck melanomas (CHNMs) between 2000 and 2018 were analyzed. Anatomical sites of primary scalp melanomas and their respective intracranial metastases were compared. Times to first brain and nonbrain metastases were investigated for scalp and nonscalp primary CHNMs. Of 693 patients with CHNMs, 244 developed brain metastases: 109 (44.7%) had scalp primaries and 135 (55.3%) had nonscalp primaries. There was no significant association between anatomical sites of scalp primary melanomas and brain metastases (Cramer's V = 0.21; Chi-square P = 0.63). Compared with nonscalp CHNMs, scalp melanomas had no greater propensity for the brain as the first distant metastatic site ( P = 0.52) but had a shorter time to both brain metastasis (76.3 vs. 168.5 months; P < 0.001) and nonbrain metastasis (22.6 vs. 35.8 months; P < 0.001). No evidence was found to support a direct vascular pathway for metastatic spread of scalp melanomas to the brain. The increased incidence of brain metastases from scalp melanomas is probably driven by aggressive biological mechanisms.

Two Cases of Angiosarcoma with Persistent Unilateral Eyelid Swelling

Angiosarcoma is a widely known neoplasm with one of the poorest prognoses; however, such cases are rarely observed by the ophthalmologists in clinical practice. The tumor commonly develops on the face and scalp and may cause eyelid swelling. We present 2 such cases. Case 1 was an 82-year-old woman who presented with indulated swelling of the right eyelid that extended to the upper forehead. Biopsy revealed a poorly circumscribed tumor infiltrated throughout the dermis and fat tissue, exhibiting both angiomatous and solid patterns. Immunohistochemistry showed CD31(-) and D2-40/podoplanin(+), suggesting angiosarcoma. The patient had multiple lung metastases and died 14 months later. Case 2 was a 77-year-old man who presented with swelling of the left eyelid, and erythema on the left temporal skin developed ulcerated nodules. Biopsy showed proliferated tumor cells in a sheet form, extensively throughout the dermis. Angiosarcoma was preferred based on immunohistochemistry: CD31(+), CD34(+), and D2-40(-). The patient was treated with electron beam therapy and chemotherapy and died after 13 months. It would be difficult for an ophthalmologist to suspect such a rare neoplasm only from swelling of the eyelids. However, angiosarcoma should be considered if the swelling spreads steadily from a head rash with a nodule or ulcer nearby.

Metastatic angiosarcoma of the scalp presented as posttraumatic subgaleal hematoma: The many faces of a diagnostic challenge

Angiosarcomas represent highly-aggressive malignant lesions of the endothelial cells of blood vessels, affecting mostly the elderly population, and usually located in the scalp or face. As cutaneous angiosarcomas often metastasize to the lung, they can manifest in various forms. We report a case of a 77-year-old male who presented after a posttraumatic blunt scalp lump that was initially diagnosed as infected subgaleal hematoma. This was later found to be an angiosarcoma. Further workup revealed that the tumor was invading the dura, with a rare pattern of mixed concomitant cystic and solid lung metastasis with ground-glass infiltrates. The patient underwent soft tissue reconstruction with split-thickness skin graft for the scalp lesion and palliative chemotherapy. We are discussing the common manifestations of scalp angiosarcomas and their potential pulmonary metastatic patterns. Also, a review of the differential diagnoses that may mimic cutaneous scalp angiosarcoma will be demonstrated.

Efficacy of Anlotinib for the Treatment of Angiosarcoma of the Face and Neck: A Case Report

Angiosarcoma of the face and neck is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with a high degree of malignancy. The current treatment methods mainly rely on a combination of surgery and radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. However, the options for drug treatment are very limited and surgery can be difficult to carry out due to the location of the tumor, so the efficacy of first-line drugs needs to be constantly explored. A case of angiosarcoma of the head and face diagnosed by biopsy is reported here. The patient received an oral anlotinib hydrochloride capsule once a day (12 mg on days 1 - 14/1 week off for a 21-day cycle) due to the difficulty of surgery. Until now (April, 2020), after 10 months of treatment, the patient's scalp and facial lesions have gradually reduced and the partial response and progression-free survival of this patient were good, with moderate or tolerable adverse events. This approach provides a new approach for the clinical treatment of malignant angiosarcoma of the face and neck with anlotinib as first-line therapy.

Imaging findings of cutaneous angiosarcoma of the scalp: Comparison with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate imaging findings of cutaneous angiosarcoma (cAS) of the scalp compared with those of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

METHODS

This study included 15 patients with primary cAS and 10 with primary cSCC of the scalp. Seven patients with cAS and eight with cSCC underwent magnetic resonance imaging, and 11 patients with cAS and eight with cSCC underwent ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. Imaging findings for both pathologies were retrospectively reviewed and compared.

RESULTS

All 15 cAS cases were elevated lesions with an obtuse angle, invading the subcutaneous fat tissue. Multiple lesions were observed in only five cAS cases (33%) and no cSCC cases. Maximum diameter-to-height ratio was significantly higher in cAS than in cSCC (3.3 ± 1.0 versus 2.3 ± 0.6; p < 0.01). On T2-weighted images, intratumoral hypointensity (86% versus 13%; p < 0.01) and mixed hyper- and hypointensity (71% versus 0%; p < 0.01) were observed more frequently in cAS than in cSCC. No significant differences were observed between cAS and cSCC regarding flow void (29% versus 25%; p = 0.656). Maximum standardized uptake values were marginally significantly lower in cAS than in cSCC (5.6 ± 3.1 versus 10.5 ± 6.6; p = 0.078).

CONCLUSIONS

Cases of cAS of the scalp always exhibited flat elevated lesions with invasion of the subcutaneous fat tissue. Compared with cSCC, intratumoral hypointensity and mixed hyper- and hypointensity on T2-weighted images were more frequent in cAS. These findings will help with the differential diagnosis of cAS.

An Incidental Finding of Scalp Angiosarcoma: A Case Report

Scalp angiosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the vascular endothelial cells. We present the case of an elderly male patient with a history of urinary bladder transitional cell cancer and trauma (falling on his head) who came to the emergency department with scalp swelling, which was found on brain imaging to infiltrate into the skull, reaching the dural matter. A biopsy was done, which showed angiosarcoma, which is rare for that area. Further studies are recommended to establish if there is a possible genetic association between both cancers (urinary bladder transitional cell cancer and scalp angiosarcoma) as both arise from endothelial cells.

The Effectiveness of Different Treatment Modalities of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma: Results From Meta-Analysis and Observational Data From SEER Database

Introduction

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (cAS) is an aggressive vascular tumor that originates from vascular or lymphatic epithelial cells. To date, the cAS literature has been limited in a small number with single-center experiences or reports due to its rarity and the optimal treatment strategy is still in dispute. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and compare the effect of available treatments retrieved from observational studies and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program.

Methods

The authors performed a systematic review in the PubMed, Embase and MEDLINE database identifying the researches assessing the treatment for cAS patients. Clinical and treatment information of patients who had been diagnosed with a primary cAS were also obtained from the SEER program.

Results

Thirty-two studies were eligible but only 5 of which with 276 patients were included in meta-analysis since the unclear or unavailable information. The risk ratio of 5-year death for surgery, surgery with radiotherapy and surgery with chemotherapy were 0.84, 0.96, and 0.69. Meanwhile, in SEER database, there are 291 metastatic and 437 localized patients with cAS. The localized patients receiving surgery showed a significantly worse overall survival result when compared with the surgery combined with RT: hazard ratio: 1.6, 95% confidential interval: 1.05, 2.42, P = 0.03.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study provided a detailed picture of the effectiveness of present treatments for localized and metastatic cAS patients. The CT could be inappropriate in localized patients. For metastatic patients, the surgery combined RT was recommended compared with surgery alone since its enhanced OS prognosis. Yet, more novel-designed clinical trials with specific targeted populations and rigorous conducting are needed for a solid conclusion on which would be a better treatment strategy.

Regional Lymph Node Metastasis of Scalp Angiosarcoma: A Detailed Clinical Observation Study of 40 Cases

BACKGROUND

The incidence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) of angiosarcomas is reported to be less than 15%, and elective neck management has not been indicated. This study evaluated the incidence and pattern of regional LNM in patients with scalp angiosarcomas using the clinical data of its full course to understand time-event sequences of scalp angiosarcomas.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all consecutive cases of pathology-confirmed angiosarcomas and analyzed 40 cases of scalp angiosarcomas. The survival plots were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the results are presented mainly in a descriptive manner.

RESULTS

The overall survival rate for the patients was 35.8% at 2 years. In contrast to previous reports, regional LNM was observed in more than half of the patients (52.5%) with scalp angiosarcoma. Meanwhile, a direct spread to distant organs occurred in only 27.5% of the patients. Regional LNM could predict clinical manifestation of systemic disease within 3 to 6 months. No differences in survival rates between patients with and without LNM were observed in this series. Occurrence of LNM seemed to be correlated with a high mitotic rate of primary tumors, but not with tumor grade or tumor dimension. The first-echelon lymph nodes from scalp angiosarcoma were peri-parotid, post-auricular, and level 2 lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

For a localized scalp angiosarcoma, it seems reasonable for initial curative surgery to include prophylactic evaluation of regional lymph nodes for pathologic nodal staging, prognosis estimation, and the decision for systemic treatments.

Prognostic significance of positive surgical margins for scalp angiosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Scalp angiosarcomas (AS) are aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that present with outcomes different from other AS of the head and neck region. Due to the rarity of the disease, limited data on the clinical outcome of scalp AS are available. In particular, the prognostic significance of surgical margins remains controversial and the impact of margin status on survival has not been documented.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 41 scalp AS patients, including 30 patients with localized disease and 11 patients with initial distant metastasis, treated in our institution between 1997 and 2017. Survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. In the 30 patients without distant metastasis (localized disease), univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model were used to determine clinicopathologic characteristics associated with recurrence free survival (RFS), locoregional control (LRC), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Totally 41 patients diagnosed with scalp AS were identified, including 30 patients with localized disease and 11 patients with initial distant metastasis on diagnosis. Overall, the median follow-up period was 19.3 (range 0.3-128.5) months. The median survival time was 16.6 (range 0.3-144.3) months and the 5-year OS (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) rate was 22% (12%-42%). In the 30 patients with localized disease, univariate analysis showed that positive margins, either lateral-side or deep-side, were significant prognostic factors for RFS, LRC, and OS (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, positive margins emerged as adverse prognostic factors for RFS (Hazard Ratio (HR) 4.29, 95% CI, 1.71-10.75, p = 0.002), LRC (HR 6.35, 95% CI, 2.19-18.37, p = 0.001), and OS (HR 4.73, 95% CI, 1.71-13.07, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Scalp AS is associated with high local recurrence rates and poor survival outcomes. Positive surgical margins are adverse prognostic factors for survival.

Clinicopathological and survival analyses of primary cutaneous angiosarcoma in an Asian population: prognostic value of the clinical features of skin lesions

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous angiosarcoma (CA) is a rare but aggressive tumor with a high rate of local recurrence. This study was designed to analyze the clinicopathological features of primary CA and identify factors of cutaneous manifestations associated with the prognosis of angiosarcoma.

METHODS

Medical records of 55 patients with primary CA were retrospectively analyzed to investigate clinical features, survivals, and prognostic factors. Anatomical location of tumor was classified to the scalp, face, and neck, and sites outside the head and neck.

RESULTS

Primary CA presented cutaneous nodules (31/55, 47.2%), patches (13/55, 23.6%), and indurated plaques (11/55, 20.0%). Nodular lesion was significantly more common in CA on the scalp compared to CA on sites outside the scalp. Histologically, tumors presenting as nodular lesions on the scalp was predominantly composed of solid sheets of large pleomorphic cells, whereas non-nodular lesions composed of tumor cells between collagen bundles forming irregular vascular spaces. Cutaneous angiosarcoma on the scalp showed a worse prognosis compared to CA on sites outside the scalp. Patients presenting clinical morphology with nodules and multiple skin lesions showed significantly reduced overall survival (OS).

CONCLUSION

In primary CA, location on the scalp, morphology with nodules, and multiplicity of skin lesions significantly affected survival outcomes.

Angiosarcoma: a review of diagnosis and current treatment

Angiosarcoma is a highly malignancy of endothelial tumor and represents 1-2% of all soft tissue sarcomas in humans. The aetiology of angiosarcoma is not clear but there are definite risk factors including chronic lymphoedema, history of radiation, environmental carcinogens and certain familial syndromes. Ultrasound, CT and MR are diagnostic tools, but final diagnosis requires pathological and immunohistochemical confirmation. The conventional options of treatment include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Targeted medicines and immunotherapy have been studied as promising treatment of angiosarcoma. The goal of this review is to summarize the current data regarding of angiosarcoma and its clinical presentation and management, providing a useful clinical tool to explore the optimal treatment.

Anterolateral thigh free flaps for the reconstruction of scalp angiosarcoma - 18-year experience in Chang Gung memorial hospital

BACKGROUND

Scalp angiosarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive cutaneous malignancy with poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Multimodality approach is currently the treatment protocol for resectable angiosarcoma, including wide local excision and postoperative radiation. This single-institution study reviews the 18-year experience of the surgical treatment of scalp angiosarcomas.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with scalp angiosarcoma who received wide local excision and free flap reconstruction from 2001 to 2018. The type of free flap, safety margin, outer cortex burring, and dose for radiation were recorded. Kaplan-Meier plots were computed.

RESULTS

Eight male patients (mean age of 74.4 years old) were enrolled in the series. Tumor sizes ranged from 3 × 3 to 8 × 13 cm. All patients underwent wide local excision and outer cortex burring (cortical curettage). Seven (87.5%) scalp defects were reconstructed with anterolateral thigh free flap. All patients received adjuvant radiation therapy for tumor bed and margins. Chemotherapy was adopted for the management of local recurrence (37.5%) or distant metastasis (37.5%). The 2-year and 5-year survival rates are 72.9% and 38.9%, respectively, and 1-year and 2-year disease-free rates are 37.5% each.

CONCLUSION

Scalp angiosarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive cutaneous malignancy with poor prognosis. Anterolateral thigh free flap is a good reconstructive option due to its ability to cover large cutaneous defects with minimal need for skin grafting. Multimodal treatment protocol, including wide local excision with cortical curettage, and adjuvant radiation (regular basis) and chemotherapy (local recurrence or distant metastasis) may offer improved 1-year survival rate (100%).

Radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the parotid gland after postoperative radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Secondary carcinogenesis within the irradiation range is one of the most severe problems in cancer survivors. A 60-year-old woman developed hypopharyngeal carcinoma, and she received radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Eight years later, brown pigmentation and induration were observed in the left subaural region. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed malignancy and the parotid tumor was diagnosed as recurrence of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical parotidectomy was performed. The pathological diagnosis was angiosarcoma, which was most likely induced by past irradiation. About two months after surgery, lung metastases were detected. Docetaxel did not affect to lung metastases, but paclitaxel therapy was partially effective. The lung tumors increased in size, and brain metastases developed, resulting in death. Both neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery played important roles in the local disease control. Administration of newer agents as adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent should also be considered for improving the prognosis.

Metastatic Angiosarcoma of the Scalp Presenting with Cystic Lung Lesions: A Case Report and Review of Cystic Lung Diseases

INTRODUCTION

Angiosarcomas are rare, malignant vascular tumors that affect endothelial cells of blood vessels. Angiosarcomas most commonly occur on the scalp or face of elderly individuals and are highly aggressive, with a 5-year survival rate below 15%. Cutaneous angiosarcomas often metastasize to the lung, where they can present with cystic lesions, solid lesions, pneumothorax, and/or hemothorax.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of an 83-year-old woman who presented with a scalp lesion, which was initially thought to be caused by scalp trauma but was later found to be an angiosarcoma. She initially refused any therapy for the tumor. She returned several months later with a cough and shortness of breath and was found to have multiple pulmonary cysts. She was treated with paclitaxel, but her tumor did not respond to the therapy and she died 2 months later.

DISCUSSION

We discuss the common presentation of cutaneous angiosarcomas and their tendency to metastasize to the lung and present as cystic lesions. We also review the common conditions that can cause cystic changes in the lungs.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Inguinum and Angiosarcoma of the Scalp in a Child with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Benign and malignant tumors are common in the setting of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) and angiosarcoma are rare tumors in children and adolescents and mostly occur in young patients in relation to NF1. Both histological types can be present in the same tumor mass in patients with NF1. We present a case of 12.5-year-old girl with NF1 who first presented with MPNST of the right inguinal region and 1.5 years later with unrelated angiosarcoma of the scalp.

Immediate Near-Total Scalp Reconstruction with Artificial Dermis on Exposed Calvarium

Scalp defect management is complicated secondary to reduced laxity in the scalp and forehead area. For reconstruction of larger defects with exposed bone and loss of the periosteal layer, free flap reconstruction is one option for single-stage surgery, although the procedure is lengthy and includes the possibility of flap loss. We successfully performed a single-stage reconstruction of a large scalp defect using a combination of artificial dermis, split-thickness skin graft, and full-thickness skin graft following wide excision of a cutaneous angiosarcoma, and present our method as one option for the treatment of large oncologic surgical defects in patients who are poor candidates for free flap surgery.

Radiation-associated peritoneal angiosarcoma

Angiosarcomas account for only 1-2% of all soft tissue sarcomas, with the most common site of origin being in the head and neck region. Peritoneal angiosarcoma is an extremely rare tumour and few cases have been reported previously. Presentation of peritoneal angiosarcoma can be very variable, hence making diagnosis difficult. Herein, we review the current literature and describe a rare case of a patient who presented with haemorrhagic ascites, 17 years after radiotherapy for endometrial carcinoma and was subsequently diagnosed with peritoneal angiosarcoma. Due to extensive disease, surgery was not a viable option. She was started on palliative chemotherapy, but despite treatment, her condition deteriorated further and she eventually passed away. We highlight the diagnostic challenges and considerations in these patients as well as current treatment and management options available.