Systemic sclerosis and scleroderma renal crisis in association with carcinoma of the breast

During recent years it has been shown conclusively that the incidence of malignancy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is significantly increased and that rapidly progressive skin thickening, among other factors, is a strong predictor of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). We present a case of carcinoma of the breast presenting concurrently with SSc that subsequently progressed to dialysis-dependent renal failure in just 1 month. We discuss the possible relationship between SSc and malignancy at a cellular level. In conclusion, we recommend that patients with rapidly progressive SSc and SRC at an early stage be screened for malignancy. In those patients developing malignancy in SSc, a careful vigil for accelerated renal, cardiac, and pulmonary complications should also be undertaken.