Radiation-induced morphoea in the setting of previous breast cancer: A case report

Radiation-induced morphoea is an under-recognised complication of radiotherapy that can cause significant pain, functional impairment, and disfigurement. It is frequently misdiagnosed due to its non-specific presentation. We report the case of a 70-year-old female with prior right breast invasive ductal carcinoma, status post-lumpectomy, who developed painful cutaneous thickening and atrophy within the irradiated field 18 months after adjuvant radiotherapy. Malignant recurrence was excluded, and biopsy revealed dermal sclerosis with collagen thickening consistent with radiation-induced morphoea. Management included intralesional corticosteroid injections, regional nerve blocks, and physical therapy. Early recognition, biopsy, and multidisciplinary management are critical to improving patients' quality of life.