Localized morphea--a rare but significant secondary complication following breast cancer radiotherapy. Case report and review of the literature on radiation reaction among patients with scleroderma/morphea.
PURPOSE AND APPROACH: To report a case of morphea (localized scleroderma) in a patient following breast cancer therapy and to summarize the current literature.


CONCLUSIONS
The occurrence of morphea is an unexpected late effect (approximately 1 year after the end of radiation therapy) which occurs frequently in the irradiated breast in women with breast-conserving therapy. The pathogenesis is unclear. The main differential diagnoses are recurrence of carcinoma and a radiogenic subcutaneous fibrosis (in most cases, the final diagnosis can only be made by means of a biopsy). Diagnosis and therapy must be performed in cooperation between dermatologist and radiooncologist.
Herrmann
Thomas
T
Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University of Technology, Fetscherstrasse 74, Dresden, Germany. thomas.herrmann@mailbox.tu-dresden.de
Günther
Claudia
C
Csere
Peter
P
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001940:Breast / Q000528:radiation effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental / Q000009:adverse effects; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology