The analysis included 46 women after radical breast amputation because of cancer with which lymphoedema occurred in the upper limb, as well as 51 women in whom no lymphoedema occurred during the period of the observation. Both groups were subjected to a comparative analysis as for height, body mass, and weight-height indexes: BMI, Quetelet, Rohrer, and Pignet-Verwaeck. The results show that women with high body mass, obesity (BMI > 30.0), and high values of the Quetelet (>370), Rohrer (>1.59), and Pignet-Verwaeck (>93.1) indexes are threatened to a significant degree with lymphoedema of the upper limbs after cancer-related mastectomy. On the other hand, slim body build and low index values appear to be a factor protecting from the occurrence of lymphoedema of the upper limb.

Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) can lead to early treatment discontinuation. The aim of this study was to evaluate: N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), myoglobin, and selected biochemical and clinical factors as predictors of TIC. One hundred and thirty patients with HER2-positive BC receiving adjuvant trastuzumab therapy (TT) were enrolled. Measurement of cardiac markers and biochemical tests as well as echocardiography were performed prior to TT initiation and every three months thereafter. Cardiotoxicity leading to treatment interruption occurred in 24 patients (18.5%). While cardiotoxicity caused early treatment discontinuation in 14 patients (10.8%), the TIC resolved in 10 (7.7%) and TT was resumed. The most common complication was a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction of more than 10% from baseline or below 50% (7.7%). In patients with TIC, there was no increase in the levels of NT-proBNP, myoglobin, and CK-MB. BMI, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, age, cancer stage, type of surgery, use of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy were shown to not have an effect on TIC occurrence. NT-proBNP, myoglobin, and CK-MB are not predictors of TIC. There is an ongoing need to identify biomarkers for TIC.

In this study, we used echocardiography to identify a number of subclinical cardiac alterations that might serve as predictors of cardiotoxicity and premature cardiac death in women with HER2-positive breast cancer during and a few months after radical combined treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone replacement therapy).Interestingly, we observed that some patients who did not receive radiotherapy developed mitral and/or aortic valve fibrosis with secondary valvular insufficiency. However, patients treated with radiotherapy developed valvular fibrosis earlier than expected. In some patients, we also noted functional mitral regurgitation due to slight enlargement and geometrical changes of the left ventricle and atrium. Finally, we observed development or progression of tricuspid regurgitation. Close monitoring for cardiac alterations during and after radical combined treatment with trastuzumab is strongly recommended to guide therapeutic decisions and ensure optimal care in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

We report squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising within a burn scar. The eponym "Marjolin's ulcer" was derived from a French surgeon Jean Nicholas Marjolin, who observed and classified cellular changes in burned skin and coined the term "ulcere cancroide". We review literature and current diagnostic modalities and treatment of this not so uncommon disease. The pathophysiology of Marjolin's ulcer is unclear. Two per cent of skin malignancies are estimated to arise within burn scars. According to concurrent epidemiological analyses, squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignancy to arise within burned/chronically wounded skin (75-96%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (12%), melanoma (3%), sarcoma (isolated cases). If Marjolin's ulcer diagnosis is established, wide local excision (at least 2 cm lateral margins) comprising fascia should be performed. The wound could be closed with transposed cutaneo-subcutaneous flap or with free flap. Long term treatment outcome is relatively good, but strict and prolonged follow-up is mandatory.