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Radiation‐induced localized scleroderma in breast cancer patients
Author(s) -
Bleasel Narelle R,
Stapleton Karen M,
Commens Christopher,
Ahern Verity A
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
australasian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.67
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1440-0960
pISSN - 0004-8380
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-0960.1999.00330.x
Subject(s) - medicine , scleroderma (fungus) , breast cancer , radiation therapy , dermatology , cellulitis , surgery , cancer , pathology , inoculation
Radiation‐induced scleroderma in breast cancer patients appears to occur in approximately one out of every 500 patients. We report four cases that developed within 3 months of conservative breast surgery and postoperative radiation treatment. The reaction was contained entirely within the treatment field and demonstrated the typical features of this condition where the breast becomes erythematous, violaceous, indurated, retracted, and progressively pigmented. The breast tends to soften and become more comfortable over 1–4 years; however, significant induration, retraction and pigmentary changes remain. There appears to be no predictive factors. Radiation‐induced scleroderma must be differentiated from cellulitis and recurrent breast cancer.