Dermatomyositis: A Presenting Clinical Vignette in a Patient With Breast Cancer
Ali Allouch1, Teisir B Zaatarikahale2, Mohamad K Moussa3
1Oncology, Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Beirut, LBN.
Abstract:
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, which is associated with malignancy in 15%-30% of cases. Breast cancer, the most frequent malignancy diagnosed in women, can feature uncommon presentations, such as paraneoplastic syndrome including DM. The aim of this case is to promote awareness regarding any adult patient who presents with DM for early detection and treatment of a possible underlying malignancy. Our patient was diagnosed and treated for DM without any improvement, until she presented to our department, and after a comprehensive history and physical exam, an underlying breast cancer was detected. It was metastatic unfortunately, but she improved after treatment with regression of symptoms related to DM.
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