Primary angiosarcoma of the breast complicated by the syndrome of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): Case report and literature review

Abstract

Primary angiosarcoma of the breast (PAB) accounts for 0.04% of all breast malignant tumors. It affects young women usually at third or fourth decades of life. PAB clinically manifests as a painless, movable mass with sharp limits. A bluish red discoloration of the overlying skin is often observed. Enlargement of axillary lymph nodes generally does not occur.

Angiosarcoma of the breast has a very poor prognosis due to the tendency to metastasize haematogenously and high frequency of local recurrence.

Mastectomy and chemotherapy are preferable treatment choices.

This paper presents a case of primary angiosarcoma of the breast with a syndrome of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).