Localized scleroderma in breast cancer patients treated with supervoltage external beam radiation: radiation port scleroderma.

BACKGROUND

An association between systemic scleroderma, radiation, and breast cancer has been recognized. However, localized scleroderma in the radiation port of breast cancer patients has been rarely described.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to describe the concurrence of localized scleroderma, supervoltage radiation, and breast carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively evaluated in a tertiary care cancer center, and the literature was reviewed.

RESULTS

We describe six patients with breast cancer in whom localized scleroderma developed within their radiation port.

CONCLUSION

Radiation port localized scleroderma can be a sequela of supervoltage radiation therapy in patients with breast cancer. Recognition is important because localized scleroderma can clinically mimic recurrent breast carcinoma.