An unusual case of radiotherapy-induced angiosarcoma with splenic metastases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radiation-Induced Angiosarcoma (RIAS) is a recognised clinical entity relating to a malignant vascular process affecting the skin and soft tissues in patients who have received radiotherapy. This case report presents a Maltese case of RIAS in a breast cancer patient who developed a rare site of metastasis: the spleen.

METHODS: The patient's medical file, online notes and imaging reports were reviewed in order to examine the details of the case. Other papers on the topic of RIAS were reviewed after this process to assess the pathophysiology of the condition as well as usual sites of metastasis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: 1. Consider radiotherapy side effects in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with a lump post breast cancer surgery. 2. Radiation-induced angiosarcoma can cause metastases to distant atypical sites including the spleen. 3. Radiation-induced angiosarcoma can present with lesions away from the breast, in this case a fungating lesion in the left axilla. 4. Holistic management of the breast oncological patient requires emphasis on inter-disciplinary liaison.