Erysipelas in breast cancer patients after the radical mastectomy

Abstract

Erysipelas is a bacterial cellulitis usually associated with Streptococcal infection. It may appear as a complication following mastectomy and radiotherapy for breast cancer. The study involved 17 cases of erysipelas of the upper limbs with a median age of 62 years. Here we described the clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of erysipelas. Our results indicated that the erysipelas appeared with an average of 9 years after mastectomy and was recurrent in three patients (17.64%). It is associated with obesity in 42% and arterial hypertension in 52.9% of patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy. Breast cancer patients in advance stages of disease at presentation (T2+ T3) are signifcantly more subject to erysipelas in comparison to those patients with locoregional stage of disease at presentation (T1), Mann Whitney U-test, (p<0.05). All patients had complete response to antibiotics. The recurrence occurred in 2 patients (11.76%) who underwent radiotherapy with adjuvant tamoxifen and in one patient who underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy combined. Based on these results it is possible to suggest that patients who received radiotherapy may have an additional risk factor for developing lymphedema and erysipelas. © Versita Sp. z o.o.