Angiosarcoma of the auricle.

INTRODUCTION

Angiosarcomas are rare but aggressive vascular cancers of endothelial cell origin. The diagnosis is often difficult, based on specific immunohistological features. They characteristically present a high local recurrence rate and an early metastatic potential.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of angiosarcoma of the auricle in a 31-year-old female patient who presented with swelling of the left ear for 3 years. Histological examination demonstrated angiosarcoma. Treatment consisted of surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy.

DISCUSSION: This case report describes the epidemiological and clinical profile and the treatment and outcome of angiosarcoma of the auricle, together with a review of the literature, demonstrating certain diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in the management of this aggressive tumour.