Pulmonary Metastasis in Angiosarcoma of the Scalp.

Lee, Sung Jun; Kim, Sug Won; Chung, Yoon Kyu

Original Article

Journal of Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association 2003;4(1):58-61.

Sung Jun Lee, Sug Won Kim, Yoon Kyu Chung

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University, Wonju College of Medicine, Kangwondo, Korea. ykchung@wonju.yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

Angiosarcoma is a rare and highly malignant tumor of vascular origin which may occur in any region of the body. About one third of them are cutaneous angiosarcoma distinguished from others. The tumor primarily affects the elderly individuals, usually located on the head and neck, especially scalp and frequently metastasizes to lung. This paper reports a 58-year-old man with localized angiosarcoma of the scalp, which was dark-purple, soft, fixed and a hairless mass. The mass was confirmed as angiosarcoma without metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis and was completely removed followed by radiotherapy. 3 months after operation, the patient died from pulmonary complications which were associated with metastatic tumors to the lung. This case illustrates the need of awareness for the aggressive nature of this tumor and to suspect metastasis when pulmonary complications occur.

Keywords: Angiosarcoma; Scalp; Lung metastasis