Post-irradiation morphea of the breast: does this pose an issue for reconstruction?

AbstractRadiotherapy is a critical component in the treatment of breast cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death in women. Morphea, or localized scleroderma, is a rare dermatologic disorder characterized by dermal fibrosis and collagen deposition. Most cases of Morphea arise de novo. The aetiology is poorly understood but there are increasing cases in the literature of radiation-induced morphea (RIM) following external beam radiotherapy in breast cancer patients. Its development has functional and cosmetic consequences. Treatment options are limited, with few reports of successful surgical management or formal breast reconstruction. We outline three cases of radiation-induced morphea (RIM) of the breast all of which were successfully treated with excision and flap reconstruction both free and pedicled: two, in the form of latissimus dorsi reconstruction and one, muscle only flap covered with a split skin graft.Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.
Source: European Journal of Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Source Type: research