Angiosarcoma of the Scalp Mimicking an Inflammatory Scarring Alopecia and Diagnosed on Horizontal Histologic Sections
November 2024
in “
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
”
Studysummary This case study reported on a 72-year-old woman initially diagnosed with inflammatory alopecia, later identified as having angiosarcoma of the scalp, revealing the importance of considering unexpected malignancies during evaluation of suspected inflammatory alopecia cases.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This case report discusses a 72-year-old female patient with angiosarcoma of the scalp, initially misdiagnosed as lichen planopilaris due to its presentation as alopecia with erythematous patches and diffuse hair thinning. Histopathologic examination revealed atypical cells indicative of angiosarcoma, confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The patient responded well to paclitaxel and radiation therapy, although treatment was discontinued due to side effects. Despite recurrence, further treatment led to remission, and the patient survived 5 years post-diagnosis before passing away from unspecified causes. The study highlights the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis of angiosarcoma, which can mimic inflammatory alopecia, to improve patient outcomes.
