National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Angiosarcoma of the scalp


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Angiosarcoma of the scalp is a very rare cancer which most commonly affects the elderly. Symptoms of this condition begin with a bruise-like lesions that progresses to an open or bleeding wound. These lesions will grow in size and, without treatment, the cancer will spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), usually the lungs. The cause of angiosarcoma of the scalp is unknown, although several associations have been reported, including abnormal swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphedema), prior radiation treatment, and environmental exposures. It is diagnosed based on the symptoms and through a biopsy of the affected area of the scalp. Treatment may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.[1] The long-term outlook for this rare cancer depends on how early it is diagnosed and the response to treatment.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 4/18/2019
Angiosarcoma of the scalp is considered an aggressive cancer with an unfavorable prognosis.  Without treatment,
the original tumor typically increases in size and may bleed or form an open sore (ulcer).  Eventually, the tumor is likely to spread (metastasize) into nearby tissues or to other parts of the body, such as the lungs.  The progression of this condition depends on the initial size of the tumor and whether there are multiple spots (multifocal lesions).  Studies have found that, even with treatment, half of affected individuals survive for 15 to 22 months following diagnosis, and approximately one third survive for five years.[4]
Last updated: 10/23/2014
Angiosarcoma of the scalp accounts for less than 1 percent of all sarcomas.  Only about 0.5 people per 1,000,000 develop angiosarcoma in the US.[1]
Last updated: 4/18/2019

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Organizations Supporting this Disease

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These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The Sarcoma Foundation of America provides general information about angiosarcoma. Click on the link to access this information. 
  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
  • The National Cancer Institute provides the most current information on cancer for patients, health professionals, and the general public.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Angiosarcoma of the scalp. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Fujisawa Y, Yoshino K, Fugimura T, Nakamura Y, Okiyama N, Ishitsuka Y et al. Cutaneous angiosarcoma: The possibility of new treatment options especially for patients with large primary tumor. Front Oncol. Mar 2018; 8(46):epub. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29552543.
  2. Spiker AM, Ramsey ML. Cancer, Angiosarcoma. StatPearls. Updated Jan 24, 2019; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/NBK441983.
  3. Bhatti Z, Bhatti R, Brangman S, Whiting K, Dhamoon A. Extensive cutaneous scalp angiosarcoma. Case Rep Dermatol Med. Jun, 2018; 1-3. https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6032971.
  4. Zager JS. Angiosarcoma of the scalp. Medscape. 2013; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1296442-overview. Accessed 10/23/2014.