Recurrent triple negative breast cancer with early severe systemic metastases

Abstract

Introduction: triple negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype seen in up to 20% of breast cancer diagnoses. the locations of metastases differ from receptor positive breast cancers and recurrence occurs earlier after treatment. case report: Our patient is a 65-yearold female diagnosed with stage II high grade triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma after a suspicious abnormality was found on a screening mammogram. she received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, bilateral total mastectomy, and radiation therapy. two months after radiation was completed she developed nodules over her chest wall and was subsequently diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer with metastases to the skin, lungs, and bone. conclusion: triple negative breast cancer metastasizes most commonly to the brain and lungs. Distant spread is also seen more frequently and earlier. Altered followup protocols for patients with triple negative breast cancer are essential in order to identify metastases earlier.