This information is provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).
Angiosarcoma of the scalp is a very rare cancer which most commonly affects the elderly. Symptoms of this condition begin with a bruise-like lesions that progresses to an open or bleeding wound. These lesions will grow in size and, without treatment, the cancer will spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), usually the lungs. The cause of angiosarcoma of the scalp is unknown, although several associations have been reported, including abnormal swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphedema), prior radiation treatment, and environmental exposures. It is diagnosed based on the symptoms and through a biopsy of the affected area of the scalp. Treatment may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.[15380] The long-term outlook for this rare cancer depends on how early it is diagnosed and the response to treatment.[15380][15381][15382]
For more information, visit GARD.
