Isolated Axillary Skin Recurrence as the First Sign of Breast CancerRelapse 20 Years After Initial Treatment: A Case Report
- Author:
Hye Un MA
1
;
Yong Min NA
;
Hee Won RYU
;
Sang Ho JO
;
Young Jae RYU
;
Sang Chun PARK
;
Yong Bin KWON
;
Jin Seong CHO
;
Ji Shin LEE
;
Min Ho PARK
Author Information
- Publication Type:3
- From: Journal of Breast Disease 2025;13(1):9-12
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer is known for its potential to recur many years after initial treatment. Although most recurrences occur within the first 5–10 years, late recurrence, especially beyond 15 years of age, is rare and isolated cutaneous recurrence is even less frequently reported. However, awareness of the possibility of extremely late and subtle local recurrences in patients with HR+ breast cancer has gradually increased over time. Clinicians should remain vigilant for atypical cutaneous changes near previous surgical sites, even decades after the initial treatment, and consider biopsy in the absence of classic signs of recurrence. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman who experienced an isolated cutaneous recurrence nearly 20 years after mastectomy for HR+ breast cancer, presenting with only faint erythema.
