Angiosarcoma of the eyelid

Abstract

Background: Angiosarcomas are uncommon malignant tumours of vascular endothelium. They frequently affect the face and scalp, but to our knowledge there are only three reports of eyelid involvement.

Methods/results: We report a case of angiosarcoma arising from the eyelid skin in a 79-year-old woman. Treatment was surgical with wide excision and staged reconstruction of the defect. Systemic oncological work-up for metastatic disease was negative. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy were considered but were not felt to be of proven benefit and were not used. The patient died seven months after presentation from a myocardial infarct.

Conclusion: Angiosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unusual or atypical eyelid lesions. Management is wide surgical excision, although adjuvant systemic therapy should be considered in selected cases in consultation with an oncologist.