Angiosarcoma vs Melanoma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Angiosarcoma
Melanoma
Category
Malignant
Malignant
Key feature
Rare cancer of blood or lymph vessels. Often appears as a bruise-like patch on the scalp of elderly patients.
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.
Risk factors
Age over 70; Chronic lymphedema (especially post-mastectomy); Previous radiation therapy
Fair skin, light eyes, red or blond hair (Fitzpatrick types I-II); History of blistering sunburns, especially before age 18; More than 50 ordinary moles on the body
Action needed
A bruise-like purple patch on the scalp that does not resolve
A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles (the ugly duckling sign)

Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive cancer that develops from the cells lining blood vessels or lymph vessels. It accounts for less than 2% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Cutaneous angiosarcoma most commonly affects the scalp and face of elderly patients, particularly men.

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Melanoma

Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give your skin its color. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes most of skin cancer deaths. The good news: when detected at stage I, the five-year survival rate exceeds 99%.

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Does yours look more like angiosarcoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like angiosarcoma? Answer 2 questions.

Does the area look like a bruise or purple patch that does not go away?

Is it on the scalp or in an area of chronic swelling or previous radiation?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →