Radiation Induced Angiosarcoma Treatment in India

Olivia Smith, 68, is a retired...

Olivia Smith, 68, is a retired school librarian who underwent a lumpectomy and radiation therapy for early-stage breast cancer 12 years ago. She was living a quiet, active life until she noticed a persistent, bruise-like discoloration on her left breast, which later developed into small, painful nodules. Her primary care physician was concerned and referred her to a radiation oncologist. After a biopsy confirmed radiation-induced angiosarcoma (RIA), the doctor explained that this was a rare, aggressive secondary cancer caused by her prior radiation. Olivia underwent wide local excision surgery followed by a specialized course of proton beam radiation therapy to target the remaining microscopic disease while sparing her underlying lung and heart. The treatment was physically draining, causing significant fatigue and skin changes. After a six-month recovery period marked by careful wound care and gradual return to strength, she achieved a complete clinical response with no evidence of disease. Emotionally, Olivia felt a profound sense of injustice and fear at facing cancer again, especially one linked to her cure. Post-treatment, with the support of a therapist and a sarcoma survivor group, she found resilience, focusing on gratitude for her current health while managing ongoing surveillance scans with cautious optimism.