Bourgeois A, Grisoli SB, Soine EJ, Rosen LB, et al.
Dermatology online journal. Date of publication 2017 Feb 15;volume 23(2):.
1. Dermatol Online J. 2017 Feb 15;23(2). pii: 13030/qt1d38c9c7.
Tamoxifen-induced radiation recall dermatitis.
Bourgeois A(1), Grisoli SB, Soine EJ, Rosen LB.
Author information:
(1)Medical School, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New
Orleans. abour6@lsuhsc.edu.
BACKGROUND: Radiation recall dermatitis (RRD) canpresent days to years after
radiation exposure andis most commonly caused by chemotherapy drugs,with
tamoxifen-induced radiation recall dermatitisbeing exceptionally rare.
PURPOSE: To report a newcase of tamoxifen-induced radiation recall
dermatitisafter 4.5 years of tamoxifen exposure, making this thelongest time of
onset to RRD after tamoxifen initiation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The case of a woman withtamoxifen-induced RRD is
presented. Using PubMedand Google Scholar, the terms tamoxifen, radiation,recall,
dermatitis were searched. Relevant citationswere utilized and discussed.
RESULTS: An adult womanwith history of inflammatory breast carcinomadeveloped an
erythematous, scaly, tender plaquelocalized to previously irradiated skin of the
left chestafter more than four years of tamoxifen therapy. Thepatient was
diagnosed with RRD and was treated withtopical triamcinolone 0.1% cream twice
daily to theaffected areas. The patient experienced subsequentrapid improvement
despite continuation of tamoxifentreatment. Biopsy revealed changes consistent
withradiation dermatitis with no evidence of malignancy.
CONCLUSION: Radiation recall dermatitis can havesignificant impact on affected
patients and can posea diagnostic dilemma for clinicians who may mistakeRRD for
infection or recurrence of malignancy. It isimportant to be familiar with the
presenting signs andsymptoms of this entity so that affected patients canreceive
timely and appropriate therapy.
PMID: 28329490 [Indexed for MEDLINE]