Work

Retiform hemangioendothelioma of the breast: a case report and considerations for effective management

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Retiform hemangioendothelioma (RHE) is a rare vascular neoplasm of intermediate malignancy, with a high frequency of local recurrence and negligible metastasizing potential. We describe a 45-year-old female who presented with a firm subcutaneous nodule in the lower-outer quadrant of the right breast. Diagnosis of RHE was confirmed based on the characteristic retiform pattern of the branching neoplastic vascular channels, as well as positivity for CD31 and negativity for D2-40 markers. The patient was successfully treated with wide local excision of the tumor with clear surgical margins. The resulting defect was reconstructed with local tissue displacement and direct closure. RHE must be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin vascular tumors, while histopathological and immunohistochemical examination remain core to the diagnosis. Wide local excision with clear margins is the treatment of choice, whereas radiotherapy and, more rarely, chemotherapy can be considered in the event of recurrence and in unresectable cases.

Source: Journal of Surgical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag705

Authors: Georgios E Papanikolaou, Stamatios A Merkouris, Kassiani P Giannaki, Zoi E Papaefthymiou, Stergios E Douvetzemis

Institutions: Metropolitan Hospital, Diagnostic Medical Center Prolipsis, University of Nicosia

Language: English

Topic: Vascular Tumors and Angiosarcomas

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000