title: [The complications of radiotherapy for breast cancer and the treatment for radiation ulcer].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the effective treatment for chronic ulcer following radiotherapy for breast cancer and reveal the universality and severity of radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The TRAM flap, the local expanded flap or the delayed skin flap were applied to repair the ulcer wounds in 16 patients. Electromyogram examinations were used to evaluate the radiation lesions of the brachial plexus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the flaps survived successfully with satisfactory results except one, which sustained partial necrosis due to infection. Ten patients underwent regular electromyogram examinations, seven of them were found to have radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiation ulcer following radiotherapy for breast cancer is often concomitant with brachial plexus neuropathy. These injuries presented a chronically progressive and irreversible course. Application of the flaps that have adequate blood supply can reconstruct the wounds effectively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University Medical College, Guangzhou 510220, China.
authors.forename: Ye-yang
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Jin-lun
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Li-ren
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Jiao
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014456:Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*