Atypical Presentation of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Scalp Mimicking Benign Hematoma in an Elderly Patient

Case Report

Volume 1, Issue 1

Atypical Presentation of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Scalp Mimicking Benign Hematoma in an Elderly Patient

Joseph D. Miller^1*, Sarah Jenkins² and Robert Chen³

¹Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
²Division of Dermatopathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
³Department of Surgical Oncology, Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, USA

^*Corresponding author: Joseph D. Miller, Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
E-mail: j.miller@jhu-emulation.edu

Received: June 26, 2026; Accepted: July 14, 2026; Published: July 25, 2026

Citation: Miller JD, Jenkins S, Chen R. Atypical Presentation of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Scalp Mimicking Benign Hematoma in an Elderly Patient. J Skin Cancer Case Rep. 2026; 1(1): 101.

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Abstract

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare and aggressive malignant vascular tumor that predominantly affects the head and neck region of elderly individuals. Due to its variable and subtle clinical manifestations early in the disease course, diagnostic delays are frequent. We present a case of a 76-year-old male who initially presented with a persistent, non-tender violaceous macule on the scalp following minor trauma, clinically resembling a benign hematoma. Histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of primary cutaneous angiosarcoma. The patient underwent wide local excision followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. This report highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for malignant lesions in elderly patients presenting with persistent ecchymotic or hematoma-like scalp lesions.

Keywords: Cutaneous angiosarcoma; Scalp Malignancy; Dermato-Oncology; Vascular neoplasm; Histopathology

Article Details

Atypical Presentation of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Scalp Mimicking Benign Hematoma in an Elderly Patient