Angiosarcoma

rhonda47

(Posted in Jan.2010)

I was diagnosed in 2006 with angiosarcoma of the breast..

caused by radiation treatment for breast cancer in 2000.

My original surgeon mis-diagnosed the fingernail sized mark on

my breast - saying it was fluid.

I felt it wasnt.. and lymphodema clinic doctor was certain it wasnt also..

I went back - a biopsy, and bingo - angiosarcoma...

This surgeon was mumbling about taking part of the breast,.."saving" it ..

which pleased me of course, but I went for another opinion and took myself off to a large

cancer hospital here in Melbourne, Australia ... a radical mastectomy . .. and they found

3 masses of tumour hidden in the breast...

Wow - what a nasty thing this is.

Anyway I'm very well.. no side effects..have decided not to have a reconstruction..

too big an operation and loss of that poor breast doesnt worry me at all...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Today)

Treatment for angiosarcoma was in 2006 so have had trouble free years since then, until lately having noticed a bruisey mark below mastectomy site.

Oncology surgeon here in Melbourne said he thinks it could be just a mark from bra but I should go back for biopsy in a month if I am still worried about it. Of course I am still worried and indeed may go back sooner.

Am going braless which is not a good look but I want to rule out the mark is from wearing a bra.

chrissyb

Hi Rhonda, sorry you are feeling the stress of worry all over again but I can understand your fear. Other than the bruisey mark do you have any swelling or firmness to the area?

I think I would be going back a whole lot sooner than your doc suggests, particularly if going braless makes no difference to the appearance of the mark.

Do let us know how you get on.............very rare form of BC indeed.

Love n hugs. Chrissy

agapornis

I hope it is only a bruise but would it be possible to check it earlier?

Hugs.

aussieched

Hi Rhonda, I would be going and having it checked out asap. I have developed lymphangoma circumscriptum in my axilla, a very rare complication from radiation and lymphodema. I have been advised that I need to keep a check on the growing lumps and bumps of lymhangoma circumscriptum in my axilla, as it can turn into angiosarcoma, and I have been advised that if I get an area that looks like a bruise, to get to the specialist immediately.

I was totally gobsmacked when I developed this rare complication from radiation/lymphodema, and felt let down that it had been caused by the treatment that is supposed to help us. They do downplay the complications of treatments, when they are talking you into having them, mumbling that is very rare, however for us patients who end having these complications, it can be a bitter pill to swallow.

Rhonda, please go and get this new problem checked and get a second opinion.

Ched

rhonda47

Thank you for your concern and advice.

Doc. said the mark wasnt angio. returning and indeed it seems more obvious after wearing a bra . ..

so 3 months later it's no bigger and no more apparent.

aussieched

Hi Rhonda,  well that is really good news for you,  So glad to hear it was nothing.  Thanks for letting us know.

regards Ched

rhonda47

How are YOU going?

Regards, Rhonda.