Radiation-induced leiomyosarcoma following mastectomy: a case report

Adjuvant radiotherapy following mastectomy for breast carcinoma is the current standard of care; however, this has its own associated complications. One of the rare but documented long-term sequelae is the development of a radiation-induced soft tissue sarcoma. We present the case of a 76-year-old Caucasian female with a non-healing axillary ulcer several years post-radiotherapy for a right-sided breast carcinoma. She was referred to the plastic surgery unit for excision and reconstruction which involved a range of techniques including skin grafting and pedicled tissue transfer. Postoperative histology confirmed the rare diagnosis of radiation-induced leiomyosarcoma. This report describes the presentation, diagnosis and management options for a case of soft tissue sarcoma following radiotherapy. Although uncommon, this diagnosis should be considered in the presence of uncharacteristic skin changes after radiotherapy treatment.