Synchronous Angiosarcoma, Melanoma and Morphea of the Breast Skin 14 years After Radiotherapy for Mammary Carcinoma

Abstract

With the improvement in survival after breast cancer there has been increasing interest in the long-term effects of radiotherapy, including the development of tumours. Compared with the general population, breast cancer survivors have a 10–50% higher risk of developing a second cancer. Radiotherapy may play a role in the onset of such lesions. We describe here the case of a 68-year-old woman who developed synchronous cutaneous angiosarcoma, melanoma and morphea of the breast skin and the local area, 14 years after radiotherapy for breast carcinoma. Given the risk of post-radiation secondary primaries in breast cancer patients, long-term surveillance is necessary, with particular attention being paid to skin changes in the irradiation field. Radiation-induced morphea is a rare complication in which immunological abnormalities may stimulate malignant transformation. Long-term studies are required to clarify the pathogenesis of these rare associations.