AN OPERATED CASE OF RECURRENT BREAST CANCER TO THE CHEST WALL 12 YEARS AFTER THE FIRST OPERATION

Abstract

We experienced a case of recurrent breast cancer to the chest wall 12 years after the first operation. The patient was a 52-year-old woman. There was a previous history of undergoing a radical mastectomy for a right breast cancer (t2n1βM0, Stage II) in October, 1982. The histologic type was solid tubular carcinoma and the tumor was estrogen and progesterone receptor positive. In July, 1984, bilateral oophorectomy was carried out, followed by administration of tegafur and tamoxifen. The drug regimen was discontiuned in March, 1993, because she had no signs of recurrence. Two years later (in January, 1995), erosion associating with hemorrhage developed in the right anterior thoracic region. Close examination indicated a recurrence in the chest wall involving the right 4 and 5th ribs. After one course of CAF regimen excision of the chest wall with associated excision of the 3, 4 and 5th ribs ranging about 15 cm was carried out. A 15×8 cm defect in the chest wall was reconstructed with Marex mesh and latissimus dorsi muscle and skin flap. Postoperative course was uneventful. After two courses of CAF regimen, the patient was idscharged from the hospital. There has been no sign of recurrence, as of August, 1995, while tegafur and tagafur are still continued.