A 68-year-old woman is evaluated because of a lump on her chest wall. Seventeen years ago she developed stage I ductal adenocarcinoma (estrogen receptor-positive) of the left breast; her disease was managed with lumpectomy, breast radiation therapy, and 5 years of tamoxifen therapy. The lump she now has is separate from the breast, subcutaneous in location, fixed to the underlying 4th rib, and nontender. The mass is excised and found to be a fibrosarcoma. What is the relationship of this fibroscarcoma to her original cancer and its treatment?
A)It is not related to the original cancer or its treatment
B)It is related to the radiation therapy given to control the breast cancer
C)It is related to the tamoxifen given to control the breast cancer
D)It is related to the primary estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fibrosarcoma in this case is related to the radiation therapy given to control the breast cancer. Radiation therapy, while effective for treating various cancers, can increase the risk of developing secondary malignancies, including sarcomas, in the irradiated field. This risk is particularly noted years after the treatment, as in this case.

A 68-Year-Old Woman Is Evaluated Because of a Lump on Her