Angiosarcoma after tylectomy and radiation therapy for carcinoma of the breast.

BACKGROUND. Angiosarcoma (AS) is an uncommon tumor that rarely develops after external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Thirty-six cases have been reported in the literature. METHODS. The authors present two additional cases. Each of these patients received breast-conserving treatment for breast carcinoma that consisted of tylectomy and EBRT. In each case, AS developed in the field of prior irradiation. RESULTS. Currently, seven cases of AS after radiation therapy for breast-conserving treatment of breast carcinoma have been reported. The average time interval between the administration of radiation therapy and the development of AS is 8.6 years. CONCLUSIONS. This complication is rare and should not influence the decision to offer breast-conserving therapy to patients. However, patients should be informed that AS may develop as a result of radiation therapy.