A LIMB-SAVING MANAGEMENT OF ANGIOSARCOMA OF THE LEG WITH UNANI POLYHERBAL DRESSING: A RARE CASE REPORT

Abstract

ntroduction:
 Angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive malignant tumour arising from vascular endothelial cells. Due to its infiltrative nature and high metastatic potential, it carries a poor prognosis and often requires radical surgical intervention such as limb amputation. Postoperative non-healing ulcers are a known complication, particularly when tumour excision involves large soft-tissue defects. Conventional dressings may fail to achieve satisfactory healing in such cases.

Case Presentation:

 A 23-year-old male presented with a progressively enlarging swelling on the medial aspect of his left lower leg for six years, with recent rapid growth, pain, and bloody discharge. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings confirmed a diagnosis of angiosarcoma. Multiple hospitals advised below-knee amputation, but a limb-saving wide excision was performed at our centre under oncological supervision. One month postoperatively, the patient developed a non-healing ulcer that did not respond to standard modern wound-care measures.

Intervention:
 A Unani polyherbal formulation described in Al-Qanoon fi al-Tibb (Ibn Sina), containing Aamba Haldi (Curcuma longa), Aloe vera, Mur Makki, and Mazoo, was initiated as a topical dressing. These ingredients possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, and tissue-regenerative properties (Mdammil-e-Qurooh, Mujaffif, Habiss-ud-Dam, Munabbit-e-Laham, Daaf-e-Taffun).

Outcome:
 Over successive dressings, the ulcer showed marked improvement in granulation, reduction of discharge, and progressive epithelialization. Complete healing was achieved without complications, and limb integrity was preserved.

Conclusion:
 This case highlights that Unani polyherbal dressing may serve as an effective, safe, and economical option for managing non-healing ulcers, particularly when conventional wound therapies fail. Integrating Unani formulations into surgical oncology may offer significant benefits in selected cases of soft tissue malignancies.