Highlights
- •Radiation induced chest wall chondrosarcoma is a very rare but important complication of radiation therapy for breast cancer.
- •There is often a long latency period between radiation treatment and emergence of a secondary sarcoma.
- •Patients are often presumptively diagnosed with local breast cancer recurrence.
- •Diagnostic criteria for radiation induced sarcoma is discussed.
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) induced chondrosarcoma is a rare but important potential complication
seen in cancer patients treated with radiation. Although uncommon, these patients
tend to have a poor prognosis, so early detection and complete resection are the crucial
steps towards survival. We present the case of an 81-year-old breast cancer patient
who was treated with RT to the left chest wall. Eight years later, she presented with
a growing left chest wall mass, initially thought to represent local breast cancer
recurrence. Imaging demonstrated a well-defined mass arising from the left pectoralis
major muscle. The mass was excised, and pathology demonstrated chondrosarcoma. We
discuss the clinical and radiologic aspects of RT-induced sarcomas with attention
to the very rare chondrosarcoma. The aim of this report is to provide a succinct but
relevant summary of the diagnostic considerations for RT-induced sarcoma supported
by information about epidemiology, clinical diagnostic criteria, and radiation biology
to expedite patient workup and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 11, 2022
Accepted:
January 26,
2022
Received in revised form:
January 16,
2022
Received:
November 3,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
