A case of unilateral keloid after bilateral breast reduction

Haresh Devalia,Dibyesh Banerjee,Lucy Mansfield,Neda Minakaran

doi:10.1186/1477-7800-5-3

Haresh Devalia, Dibyesh Banerjee + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7800-5-3

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Abstract

Keloid scar is a manifestation of abnormal wound healing in predisposed individuals. Many treatment modalities have been tried with varying degrees of success. Radiotherapy is one such modality that is widely recognised. We present a case report and literature review based on a patient who developed unilateral keloid scarring following bilateral breast reduction surgery. Some 4 years previously, she had undergone breast conserving surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer. After her breast reduction surgery, she developed keloid scarring on the non-irradiated breast only. This case highlights a possible 'preventative' effect of radiotherapy in keloid formation.

Highlights

Keloid scars can be an unsightly complication of surgery in predisposed individuals
We present a patient who received adjuvant radiotherapy to one breast for the management of breast cancer
The scar on the left breast healed without any complications, most probably due to the protective effect of prior radiotherapy. This case report demonstrates the effect that radiotherapy had in preventing keloid formation

Summary

Background

Keloid scars can be an unsightly complication of surgery in predisposed individuals. Radiotherapy is a treatment modality that is widely recognised. We present a patient who received adjuvant radiotherapy to one breast for the management of breast cancer She underwent bilateral breast reduction surgery 4 years later and developed keloid scarring in the non-irradiated breast only. A 35-year old West Indian female was diagnosed with carcinoma in her left breast. She was treated by breast conserving surgery in 2001, followed by radiotherapy (50 Gy) to the left breast. The scar on the left breast healed without any complications, most probably due to the protective effect of prior radiotherapy. This case report demonstrates the effect that radiotherapy had in preventing keloid formation

Discussion

Conclusion

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