Extravasation of paclitaxel into breast tissue from central catheter port.
A 53-year-old woman with advanced-stage ovarian cancer experienced extravasation of paclitaxel into the breast tissue as a result of inappropriate needle insertion and/or dislodgement; it came from a central catheter port (CCP) that was found to be intact under radiological examination with contrast material. The breast became tender and oedematous with erythema, and local warming was observed within a few hours. The patient improved in the next few days during nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and close observation, and the breast healed with thickened and darkened skin and central scarring in the 6th month of follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, extravasation into breast tissue is rare in the literature. Extravasation of vesicant drugs from CCP can cause tissue necrosis; it is therefore essential that ports be carefully assessed and used by experienced staff to lessen the likelihood of such an unpleasant complication.
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001940:Breast / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D017239:Paclitaxel