title: Curative use of forequarter amputation for recurrent breast cancer over an axillary area: a case report and literature review.
abstract: Axillary recurrence of breast cancer that involves the brachial neurovascular bundle is uncommon. However, for many patients with such recurrence, forequarter amputation can play a palliative role in relieving excruciating pain and paralysis of the upper limb. Further, for those patients who do not have distant metastasis or other local-regional recurrence, forequarter amputation provides a chance for a cure. Only a few case reports of curative amputations for recurrent breast cancer are present in the literature. Here, we report a case of forequarter amputation for curative treatment of axillary recurrent breast cancer, together with a literature review. To date, we have followed the patient for three years after amputation, during which there has been no evidence of recurrence or metastasis. Although radical resection is feasible, it can be accompanied by surgical wound complications and psychosocial stress. Therefore, an organized multidisciplinary approach is needed to ensure the success of radical resection.
authors.forename: Chun-Hao
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Huey-En
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Tzeng
authors.forename: Wei-Kae
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Juang
authors.forename: Pei-Guo
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fann
authors.forename: Yi-Chin
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Fong
authors.forename: Horng-Chaung
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Pharmacology, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA. YYen@coh.org.
authors.forename: Yun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yen
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis