[Breast cancer after radiation treatment for Hodgkin disease]

Mammary carcinoma was diagnosed in two women aged 31 and 38 years after they had been subjected to mantle irradiation for Hodgkin's disease at the ages of 17 and 20 years, respectively. Breast amputation was performed in one case, lumpectomy in the other; the subsequent courses were uncomplicated. During follow-up there was no sign of recurrence. Lifelong follow-up by specialists of women irradiated for Hodgkin's disease should be considered; monthly self-examination of the breasts should be advised and mammography should be carried out annually as from 10 years after thoracic or axillary irradiation. It is especially women treated before their 20th year of life who run a relatively high risk.