Magnetic resonance imaging appearances in primary and secondary angiosarcoma of the breast

J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2014 Apr;58(2):208-12. doi: 10.1111/1754-9485.12100. Epub 2013 Jul 16.

Abstract

Angiosarcomas are malignant tumours of endovascular origin. They are rare tumours accounting for 0.04-1% of all breast malignancies. Two different forms are described: primary, occurring in young women, and secondary angiosarcoma, which occurs in older women with a history of breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy. Imaging findings on mammography and ultrasound are non-specific, but magnetic resonance imaging with dynamic contrast enhancement is more informative. We present two cases - one of primary and one of secondary angiosarcoma - and review the imaging findings.

Keywords: angiosarcoma; breast cancer; magnetic resonance imaging; mammography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Female
  • Hemangiosarcoma / pathology*
  • Hemangiosarcoma / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Middle Aged

Supplementary concepts

  • Angiosarcoma of the breast