Delayed cellulitis associated with conservative therapy for breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Delayed breast cellulitis is a rare complication following breast cancer conservation therapy.
• This entity has been infrequently reported in medical literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experience with delayed breast cellulitis at Naval Medical Center, San Diego.
• To analyze clinical characteristics, therapy, and potential causative factors of this complication.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of eight patients presenting with delayed cellulitis.
• Analysis of clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes.
• Investigation of possible contributing factors, including lymph stasis.

Main Results:

• Delayed breast cellulitis occurred in patients after wide local excision, axillary dissection, and breast radiotherapy.
• Most cases presented within one year post-radiotherapy.
• Four patients required more than one course of antibiotics, and some experienced recurrent episodes.

Conclusions:

• Breast cancer patients undergoing conservative surgery and radiotherapy are at risk for delayed cellulitis.
• Lymph stasis is a probable mechanism, though not definitively proven.
• Treatment protocols are similar to those for perioperative cellulitis.