https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2022.11065

Stewart-Treves syndrome: a case report of lymphedema-related angiosarcoma

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2022)
Submitted: 5 December 2022
Accepted: 3 March 2023
Published: 4 April 2023
oncogeriatrics, angiosarcoma, lymphedema, breast cancer, anemia
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Authors

Agnese Di Prazza
Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Ligia J. Dominguez
ligia.dominguez@unipa.it
Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Giuseppe Badalamenti
Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Mario Barbagallo
Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.

Stewart-Treves syndrome (STS) is an angiosarcoma associated with lymphedema deriving more often from radical mastectomy and longstanding lymphedema, first described in 1948. Irradiation is also commonly associated with chronic lymphedema of extremities. It generally occurs about 10 years after the mastectomy and/or radiotherapy. The prognosis is very poor with a mean survival of 20 months from the diagnosis especially when radical surgery is not possible. We present the case of STS in an 89-year-old female who underwent left upper outer quadrantectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma in 2009 followed by axillary lymphadenectomy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy until 2014. She presented swollen upper left limb associated with hemorrhagic red papular lesions. Skin biopsy revealed the presence of lymphedema-associated angiosarcoma. Radical surgery was not possible, so she underwent conservative therapy with pazopanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with benefit. Long-term follow-up of these patients is crucial to intercept this condition at an early stage.

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How to Cite

Di Prazza, A., Dominguez, L. J., Badalamenti, G., & Barbagallo, M. (2023). Stewart-Treves syndrome: a case report of lymphedema-related angiosarcoma. Geriatric Care, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2022.11065
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