Angiosarcoma metastatic to the maxillary tuberosity gingiva.

A case of angiosarcoma metastatic to the maxillary gingiva is presented. A review of the literature and an epidemiologic survey of angiosarcoma cases since 1944 at the M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute prove this to be an extremely rare occurrence. Generally, metastasis to the oral/perioral tissues occurs as a late sequela secondary to diffuse metastatic disease. In this case, however, two extensive metastatic tumor surveys determined that the only metastasis was to the oral site. The lesion clinically mimicked an inflammatory process. It is hoped that this presentation will reinforce aggressive pursuit of innocuous-appearing oral lesions when the patient has a history of malignant disease and will further encourage dental involvement in the oral/dental assessment and are of the cancer patient.