Stewart-Treves Syndrome

Abstract

Goals: To present and review the appearance of a rare case of lymphoedema secondary breast angiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves syndrome).
Methods: Diagnostic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images and a specimen photograph are presented, with a clinical case discussion and a brief pathology description.
Outcomes: Early diagnosis and prompt surgery are crucial to improve the poor prognosis of this tumor. Early signs of the condition vary, including purplish patches that develop into skin nodules, a mass under the skin, or a poorly healing eschar. Imagiological studies, mainly MR, aids in the diagnosis and disease extension assessment.
Conclusion: Chronic lymphoedema in which clinical signs and CT/MR scans demonstrate nodules or enhanced skin thickening outside a radiated field in an oedematous limb after mastectomy and radiotherapy suggest the Stewart-Treves syndrome.