Localized morphea after breast implant for breast cancer: A case report

Abstract

In the literature, some articles describe correlation between connective tissue diseases and silicone breast implants, but the pathogenetic mechanisms are unknown. We report a rare case of breast morphea after positioning a silicone implant in a patient who had undergone mastectomy. This clinical report represents an interesting model of multidisciplinary management of a patient with breast cancer who developed an uncommon dermatologic disease. Further studies are needed to clarify the association between silicone implants and breast morphea.

Extragenital lichen sclerosus of the breast and silicone breast implants

“…In the past decades, there has been a discussion on connective tissue disorders and silicone breast implants. There are some case reports on morphea after a breast implant [7]. In a large cohort study on more than 85,000 female patients; however, no increased risk for the development of connective tissue disease by silicone breast implants was confirmed [8].…”

Morphea After Liposuction Ultrasonography

“…Although the association of sclerodermic changes with liposuction has been reported only once in the literature in a patient with an autoimmune disorder, 11 the Köebner isomorphic phenomenon has been described widely as a trigger and exacerbator of morphea. This phenomenon is the appearance of cutaneous lesions, in areas of previously healthy skin, after trauma and tight clothing 12–17 …”

“…In previous reports that link plastic surgery procedures to morphea, the role of other factors such as the presence of silicone breast implants or post‐surgery radiotherapy could not be excluded 12–17 …”

“…This phenomenon is the appearance of cutaneous lesions, in areas of previously healthy skin, after trauma and tight clothing. [12][13][14][15][16][17] Grabell et al 8 were the first to describe the role of cutaneous trauma, secondary to both isotopic and isomorphic responses in the pathogenesis of morphea lesions. A cohort of 329 patients with morphea reported that 16% (n = 52) had evidence of trauma or friction in the skin area where they later developed the disease.…”

An unusual presentation of localized bullous morphea

“…Silicone gel is not a classic treatment of the two diseases. In fact, a case of silicone-induced morphea after breast implant was reported [8,13]. However, this is an internal form of silicone.…”