Pericardial angiosarcoma after mediastinal irradiation for seminoma. A case report and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Second malignancies are a well recognized complication of radiation therapy.

METHODS

We performed a computer search of the literature using the Medline Database for Pericardial Tumors and Post-Irradiation Sarcomas.

RESULTS

The case history of a patient who developed a radiation-induced pericardial angiosarcoma is described. We present a detailed review of pericardial sarcomas.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe this to be the first report of a radiation-induced pericardial sarcoma. The importance of continued long-term observation for patients who receive mediastinal irradiation is stressed.