Radiation-associated angiosarcoma after autologous breast reconstruction: report of two cases in a plastic surgery unit

Yip, C., Weiler-Mithoff, E., Doughty, J. C. and Lo, S. J. (2019) Radiation-associated angiosarcoma after autologous breast reconstruction: report of two cases in a plastic surgery unit. European Journal of Plastic Surgery, 42, pp. 513-516. (doi: 10.1007/s00238-019-01536-8)

Abstract

Radiation-associated breast angiosarcoma is a rare diagnosis but is commonly reported. Angiosarcoma occurring in non-breast tissue in breasts that have been reconstructed with autologous tissue following mastectomy is extremely rare. In our unit, we have managed two patients with angiosarcoma arising in non-breast tissue autologous reconstructions. Our report emphasises that any tissue treated with radiotherapy—that is, the residual mastectomy skin flaps or non-breast tissue autologous reconstructions—are at a risk of secondary angiosarcoma. We also discuss recommended surgical management, surveillance and genetic testing. Level of Evidence is V, risk study.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Yip, Dr Christina and Weiler-Mithoff, Mrs Eva and Doughty, Miss Julie and Lo, Professor Steven
• Authors: Yip, C., Weiler-Mithoff, E., Doughty, J. C., and Lo, S. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: European Journal of Plastic Surgery
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0930-343X
• ISSN (Online): 1435-0130
• Published Online: 30 May 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Authors
• First Published: First published in European Journal of Plastic Surgery 42:513–516
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License