[Breast cancer following breast prosthesis and irradiation in childhood]

The authors report a case of breast cancer developing 7 years after insertion of a breast prosthesis. This patient was 45 years old at the time of this discovery and had received low dose radiation during childhood for a haemolymphangioma of the homolateral axillary region. The possible factors predisposing development of cancer are discussed: haemolymphangioma, low dose axillary irradiation during childhood, peri-prosthetic fibrous capsule. These various points are examined in the light of data from the literature. The conclusions recall the necessity for clinical and radiological follow-up of breast prostheses, preferably performed by a plastic surgeon.