Naslov
Use of benzathine benzylpenicillin in treatment of delayed breast cellulitis after breast- conservation cancer therapy

Autori
Šola, Marija ; Plužarić, Vera ; Mužević, Vekić, Marina

Izvornik
International Journal of Women’s Dermatology (2352-6475) Vol 4 (2018), 4; 240-241

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, prethodno priopćenje, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
delayed breast cellulitis ; benzathine benzylpenicillin, breast cancer

Sažetak
Background: Delayed breast cellulitis is described as a complication after breast- conserving treatments to treat breast cancer. Observation: A female patient, born in 1954, underwent a partial mastectomy with lymphadenectomy in July 2015 because of breast cancer. Afterward, she was treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Ten months after the surgical procedure, she developed delayed breast cellulitis in the treated breast. The patient was also treated for papillary thyroid carcinoma in 2011 and endometrial adenocarcinoma in 2014. Discussion: Delayed breast cellulitis is a rather common complication after breast-conserving treatments for breast cancer and is characterized by a late onset of erythema, edema, tenderness, and warmth in the treated breast. Breast cellulitis can be, but is not always, accompanied by systemic signs of infection (e.g., elevated CRP levels, leukocytosis, febrile state). Breast cellulitis is thought to be of multifactorial origin, but probably the most important in this particular case was an impaired local lymph system as a result of lymphadenectomy and impaired lymphatic vessels, which led to the development of lymphedema. All of those factors predisposed the patient for the development of a secondary bacterial infection. Initially, a skin biopsy was taken to exclude a relapse of the malignant process. She was successfully treated with a monthly dose of benzathine benzylpenicillin 2.4 mL/IU for 1 year with great clinical response (complete clearance) of all symptoms. Conclusions: Even though a bacterial infection was not proven empirically, a complete remission of all symptoms was achieved using antibiotic therapy, which definitely supports the diagnosis of delayed breast cellulitis. This diagnosis should be considered in every woman with erythema, edema, tenderness, and warmth in the treated breast after breast-conserving cancer treatment even when treatment ended months prior.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA