Dermatosis as the Initial Manifestation of Malignant Breast Tumors: Retrospective Analysis of 4 Cases.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic factors of dermatosis associated with malignant breast tumors. CASE REPORTS: The clinical data of 4 breast cancer patients, 3 with dermatomyositis and 1 with acquired ichthyosis, were analyzed retrospectively. The 4 patients were >50 years of age, and the malignant breast tumors appeared within 5 years of the diagnosis of dermatosis. Two of the 3 breast cancer patients with dermatomyositis received a modified radical mastectomy, and because they could not afford systemic chemotherapy after surgery, only received endocrine therapy. The third patient received a simple mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection but died of respiratory failure 2 months after the operation. The patient with acquired ichthyosis and malignant breast tumor received modified radical mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy; no complications were observed in the postoperative period. During the 9-15 months of follow-up after the surgery, the 3 patients remained in good condition with improvement of the dermatosis symptoms and no cancer relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant breast tumor screening is indicated in women with dermatomyositis or acquired ichthyosis, especially in those aged >50 years.