Clinical And Dermoscopical Hallmarks Of An Acquired Lymphangiectasia Following Surgery And Radiotherapy Of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Acquired lymphangiectasia (AL) is a permanent dilation of lymphatics, which develops after a wide range of scarring processes. The etiopathogenesis of this entity is still unknown but mostly due to lymphatic damage. It was described essentially after surgery and/or radiotherapy for cervical or breast cancers. It is frequently associated with lymphedema. We report an AL in a 45-year-old woman who had undergone a radical mastectomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. After 2 years of combined therapy, she developed multiple multi-colored vesicles and small papules without lymphoedema. Dermoscopy and skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of lymphangiectasia. Despite being a harmless condition, it arises worrisome thoughts for the patient and the doctor. Hence a deep comprehension of this entity is important to prompt the right diagnosis and comfort the patient.