Solitary bone metastasis beneath the shoulder shield: coincidence or cause?
2006
Bone Metastasis After Breast Cancer Treatment
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Fan G., Sinclair E., Christakis M., Erhlich L., Zubovits J., Chow E.
Primary Institution: Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre
Hypothesis
Did the treatment protocol play a part in the area of metastasis?
Conclusion
The location of the bone metastasis in the patient was likely a coincidence rather than a result of the radiation treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Post-mastectomy radiotherapy improves locoregional control in breast cancer patients.
- 10%–30% of patients relapse locoregionally even after radiation treatment.
- Bone is the main site of recurrence in breast cancer, accounting for 40%–60% of distant metastases.
Takeaway
A woman with breast cancer developed a bone metastasis in her shoulder after treatment, but it was probably just a coincidence.
Methodology
Case report of a breast cancer patient with solitary bone metastasis after post-mastectomy radiotherapy.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
44-year-old woman with breast cancer.
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