Angiosarcoma in Chronic Lymphedema
(Stewart-Treves Syndrome
To the Editor:
Angiosarcoma is a malignant endothelial tumor that can
form in any part of the body, including the skin. It is known as hemangiosarcoma or lymphangiosarcoma, depending on whether it derives from the endothelium of the blood vessels or the lymph vessels, respectively.
It was first described in 1948 by Stewart and Treves in a
series of 6 cases of lymphangiosarcoma after chronic postmastectomy lymphedema; since then, more than 400 cases have been reported of angiosarcoma associated with chronic lymphedema at different sites.
We report the case of a patient with angiosarcoma of
the right arm, associated with chronic lymphedema due to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The only relevant history reported by the 84-year-old
woman was a nodule in the lower right cervical region;
results of a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the nodule were negative for malignancy. Because of the growth of the nodule, a new fine-needle aspiration procedure was performed a year later and cytology results indicated suspected lymphoma; resection and biopsy were performed and a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin large B cell (CD20) lymphoma was established.
Computed tomography (CT) revealed several bilateral
enlarged axillary lymph nodes; the largest of these, measuring 2.5-3 cm, was on the right side and in contact with the rib. The CT scan also revealed multiple enlarged hilar, mediastinal, para-aortic, and retroesophageal lymph nodes, and a 4.3-cm solid mass in the anterior segment of the right upper lobe of the lung.
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Lymphangiosarcoma
Stewart Treves Syndrome
About Me
- Pat O'Connor
- Am old enough to understand the difference between the Bay of Pigs - and roasting a pig at a epicurian feast. Been thru the hippy, yippie and yuppie years - always remaining who I am. Very much believe in "Sing your own song - weave your own tapestry" Am young enough to still know the thrill of new discoveries, the beauty of the evening, to celebrate the joy of another tommorow. Survived these many decades with a severe medical problems. Sorting out the maze of now having two lymphomas and all their nasty little companions, but I continue. Besides, being a simple iconoclastic eclectic, have been called many things. An incurable romanticist - with a strong touch of reality. Thinker, intellectual (God, how I hate that term) - been told I am a lion with the heart of the poet. Know how to wage war and conquer my foes - but would rather be known as one who brings hope and life. To bring hope into anothers life is the ultimate of joys. Life should be about bringing hope, peace, vision... a sense of purpose beyond yourself.