Generalized lichen ruber planus--induced by radiotherapy of the breast?
BACKGROUND
Lichen ruber planus is an inflammatory, pruritic disease of the skin and mucous membranes, which can be either generalized or localized. The etiology is unknown.


METHODS
A 56-year-old female was treated with standard local radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery due to high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast.


RESULTS
During radiotherapy, the patient began to complain about increasing disseminated itching papules of the breast. The efflorescences appeared as flat-topped, solid, purplish papules spreading to the limbs and trunk. A thorough clinical examination revealed additionally suspicious cob-web like and white-coated mucosal lesions of the oral cavity consistent with the clinical diagnosis of a generalized lichen ruber planus with an oral manifestation.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first report of a generalized manifestation of lichen ruber planus presumably induced by radiation therapy.
Eichbaum
Michael
M
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany. Michael.Eichbaum@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Harms
Wolfgang
W
Bolz
Sven
S
Schneeweiss
Andreas
A
Sohn
Christof
C
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D044584:Carcinoma, Ductal / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects*