Skin Angiosarcoma Masquerading as Hematoma in an Elderly Woman

A 78 year old Caucasian, bed-bound, nursing home female,presented with non-tender, violaceous, indurated plaques of the skin of her anterior left thigh. Patient’s past medical history was significant for coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus type II, and stroke with left hemiplegia. On physical examination of her thigh, a 5X8 cm diffuse dusky red, woody hard, hematoma-like plaque was noted without inguinal lymphadenopathy or leg edema (Figure 1). Laboratory studies (comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, and, coagulation factors) were unremarkable. Initial assumption was the lesions were hematomas, possibly secondary to trauma and heat packs were applied for patient comfort.