Hemangiomas of the breast with atypical histological features: Further analysis of histological subtypes confirming their benign character Journal Article


Authors: Hoda, S. A.; Cranor, M. L.; Rosen, P. P.
Article Title: Hemangiomas of the breast with atypical histological features: Further analysis of histological subtypes confirming their benign character
Abstract: Eighteen patients with vascular tumors of the breast that exhibited characteristics raising the question of but not qualifying for a diagnosis of low-grade angiosarcoma were reviewed. We had previously referred to these lesions as 'atypical' hemangiomas because of concern regarding the diagnosis and the risk for the later development of angiosarcoma. Significant features, variably present, included small size (<2.0 cm), relative circumscription, broadly anastomosing vascular channels, and endothelial hyperplasia. Destructive invasion, solid areas, and hemorrhage or necrosis unrelated to a needle localization procedure were absent. Four distinct histological patterns were observed: cavernous, compact capillary, capillary budding, and a combined cavernous and compact capillary type. The age of the patients varied from 19 to 82 years (mean 60 years). Eleven tumors were detected mammographically. The size of the lesion ranged from 0.4 to 2.0 (mean 0.9) cm. The diagnostic biopsy was the only treatment in nine (50%) cases. Reexcision was performed in seven and mastectomy was done in two cases. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 140 (mean 44) months. There have been no local or systemic recurrences. Hemangiomas with diverse histological patterns have been detected clinically with the increasingly widespread use of mammography. Further follow-up indicates that the lesions originally referred to as 'atypical' are benign and not associated with an appreciable risk of the development of angiosarcoma. Complete excision alone is recommended to treat these tumors, which may be diagnosed as hemangiomas and subclassified according to growth pattern.
Keywords: adult; clinical article; aged; excision; clinical feature; histopathology; breast; tumor volume; mammography; breast tumor; vascular tumor; benign tumor; hemangioma; breast biopsy; human; female; priority journal; article; hemangiomas
Journal Title: American Journal of Surgical Pathology
Volume: 16
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0147-5185
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 1992-06-01
Start Page: 553
End Page: 560
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/00000478-199206000-00003
PUBMED: 1599035
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 30 July 2019 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Milicent Cranor
    48 Cranor
  2. Paul P Rosen
    201 Rosen
  3. Syed Hoda
    12 Hoda