Radiation-associated Angiosarcoma After Postoperative Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Case Report and Review of Published Reports

  Objective  Radiation-associated angiosarcoma (RAAS) is rare. We present an unusual case of RAAS presenting only 1.5 years after radiotherapy for cervical cancer and review relevant published reports.

  Case report   A 59-year-old woman with stage I B2 cervical cancer underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic external beam radiation therapy. Seventeen months later, violaceous lesions began to appear, quickly covering her entire lower abdominal wall, perineum, and upper thighs. These lesions were accompanied by small nodules and ulceration. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive expression of CD31 and CD34. Genetic testing revealed MYC amplification. The patient was finally diagnosed with RAAS and treated with albumin-bound paclitaxel and bevacizumab. However, her condition deteriorated quickly and she died 7 months later.

  Conclusion  This case illustrates the importance of extensive biopsy of skin lesions suspected of denoting RAAS as early as possible. Pathological examination for CD31, CD34, and MYC assists early establishment of the diagnosis.