Operable Breast Carcinoma Associated With Refractory Anemia

Abstract

A WOMAN with undiagnosable anemia was cured when a localized breast cancer, necrotic and surrounded by an inflammatory reaction was removed by radical mastectomy. Report of a Case A 47-year-old woman was referred for diagnosis of fatigue and anemia of approximately one year's duration. She had been treated with cyanocobalamin injections and oral iron therapy, without hematological response. Except for cholecystectomy and surgery for anal fistula, her health had been good. There was no history of drug ingestion, except for the hematinics, or toxic exposure. Family history was negative for hematolotic disease, and there was no history or evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding or menorrhagia. Results of physical examination were normal except for the findings of pallor and a firm 4-cm mass in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. Results of laboratory studies included a red blood cell (RBC) count of 4.22 million/cu mm, a hemoglobin level of 8.7