Large Breast Tumor Ulceration and Quality of Life in an 80-Year-Old Woman

Abstract

Advanced breast cancer with skin ulceration, bleeding, and odor is associated with impaired quality of life (QoL). In patients with metastatic breast cancer, treatment aims to relieve symptoms, improve QoL, and slow the progression of cancer. Occasionally, it is extremely difficult to alleviate symptoms and improve QoL in patients with breast cancer and skin ulceration, especially elderly patients. Since patient age, patient preferences, and the expected survival benefit from treatment are factors that influence the selection of therapy, physicians should provide an optimal treatment for patients with metastatic disease depending on the situation. In this study, we report the case of an elderly patient with metastatic breast cancer who had substantial skin ulceration. In this patient, multidisciplinary treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery resulted in significantly improved QoL.

Keywords: Metastatic breast cancer; Quality of life; Skin ulceration.

Fig. 1

a Appearance of the breast mass at presentation. Image of the breast lesion illustrating the fungating breast ulcer on a large and irregularly shaped right breast mass. b Computed tomography image at presentation revealing a large right breast tumor with skin ulceration and bilateral axillary lymph node metastases.

Fig. 2

a Appearance of the breast mass after the administration of bevacizumab and paclitaxel. b Computed tomography image after the use of Mohs' paste and the administration of bevacizumab and paclitaxel.

Fig. 3

a Appearance of the breast mass after the administration of eribulin. b Computed tomography image after the use of Mohs' paste and the administration of eribulin. c Appearance of the breast mass after mastectomy and skin grafting.