Bullous pemphigoid development during the course of breast cancer: a radiation induced or a radiation recall dermatitis?

Abstract

AbstractBackground:Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune bullous disease, which is usually seen in older ages. Rarely, radiotherapy (RT) has been reported as a localised trigger factor for BP.Case:We present a case of a 64-year-old woman who underwent radical mastectomy and radiation therapy for breast cancer. Two months after the completion of RT with adjuvant Trastuzumab, a BP eruption developed in the irradiated area, spreading thereafter to other skin areas. The patient was treated with oral corticosteroids and the lesions evolved favourably.Conclusion:This case demonstrates a relatively benign skin reaction that could develop during the course of cancer treatment, which required co-management by oncologists, pathologists and dermatologists.