A rare solitary breast cancer metastasis to the soft tissue of the ipsilateral arm detected by a physiotherapist: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Late occurrence of solitary soft tissue upper extremity metastasis of breast cancer is very rare. We hereby present a case of metastasis to the biceps muscle of the ipsilateral arm, detected by a physiotherapist six years after mastectomy. The aim of this report is to highlight the rarity of this presentation, to emphasize the role of the physiotherapist as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team and the possibility of curative treatment despite the poor prognosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2 * 3 cm well-defined isolated metastasis of breast cancer was diagnosed in the left arm of a 31-year-old woman 6 years after successful treatment of her primary tumor. Tumor characteristics, diagnostic plan, and treatment options are discussed. CONCLUSION: Due to its scarcity, there is a lack of knowledge about the frequency, interval, characteristics, best diagnostic modality, adequate treatment, and prognosis of isolated breast cancer metastasis to the soft tissue, and these can be found out by proper reporting. As an important member of the multidisciplinary team in the care and treatment of breast cancer patients, physiotherapists should be aware of this type of rare presentation.