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Case Reports
. 2017 Jun 16;9(6):e1360.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.1360.

Dramatic Regression of a Fungating Breast Lesion Treated with Radiation Therapy

Robert W Gao  1 , Shane Edlund  2 , Jianling Yuan  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Dramatic Regression of a Fungating Breast Lesion Treated with Radiation Therapy

Robert W Gao et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Although advances in screening mammography have dramatically improved the early detection of breast cancer, a subset of breast cancer cases still present as locally advanced disease. Some of these patients develop fungating lesions, which are difficult to manage and can have a severe impact on the quality of life. Palliative treatment options include surgery, intra-arterial chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Herein, we describe the case of a patient who presented with a fungating breast mass and demonstrated an immediate and durable response to radiation therapy with a significantly improved quality of life.

Keywords: fungating breast lesions; locally advanced breast cancer; palliative radiotherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Initial Presentation of the Breast Mass
(A) Physical examination revealed a 16 x 17 cm violaceous, nodular mass occupying the right breast with surrounding erythema. (B) Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scan showed a centrally necrotic and peripherally hypermetabolic enhancing soft tissue mass centered in the right breast with disruption and protrusion through the dermis (white arrow); also seen was a subcutaneous nodule (blue arrow).
Figure 2
Figure 2. Radiation Therapy to the Breast Mass
(A) Fungating mass at the time of radiation simulation; (B) An additional subcutaneous nodule in the left upper back (red circle); (C) A representative axial computed tomography slice showing the distribution of the radiation isodose line, 3,640 cGy over 13 fractions; (D) Appearance of the mass at the end of the first radiation course; (E) Mass at 10-day follow-up visit showing viable tumor in the superior aspect; (F) Electron beam therapy to the residual viable tumor, 1,500 cGy in five fractions.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Response of the Breast Mass to Radiation Therapy
(A) Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scan at four months after completion of radiotherapy (white arrow); (B) Regression of the mass and near closure of the open wound at four months post-treatment on physical exam.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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