A 54-year-old lady visits her doctor because she has many hard violaceous nodules on her right upper arm. Twelve years ago, she was diagnosed with right-sided breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy. At the time, extensive axillary lymph node dissection revealed no lymph node metastases. The patient acquired persistent lymphedema in her right arm following surgery. Which of the following is most likely to be the cause of her present skin lesions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Axillary lymph node dissection increases the likelihood of developing persistent lymphedema in the ipsilateral arm. Chronic lymphedema increases the risk of developing angiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves syndrome).

A 54-Year-Old Lady Visits Her Doctor Because She Has Many