Bullous pemphigoid induced by radiation therapy

Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 1995;7(4):266-7. doi: 10.1016/s0936-6555(05)80618-1.

Abstract

A rare complication occurring in a female patient who underwent conservative surgery and radiation therapy for breast cancer is described. Three weeks after the completion of radiotherapy, a diffuse bullous pemphigoid eruption developed in the irradiated area, spreading thereafter to the whole body. Although systemic cutaneous side effects have been reported after radiation therapy, this is the first occurrence of bullous pemphigoid ever reported in a female patient following treatment for breast cancer. Having made the diagnosis, an effective therapeutic regimen including nicotinamide and tetracycline was started. As the conservative management of breast cancer is now widely adopted, oncologists and physicians should be aware of such rare side effects due to radiation therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / radiotherapy*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / surgery
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy, Segmental
  • Middle Aged
  • Niacinamide / therapeutic use
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / drug therapy
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / etiology*
  • Radiation Injuries / drug therapy
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Tetracycline / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Niacinamide
  • Tetracycline