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Auto-amputation of breast due to ductal carcinoma
Abstract
Auto-amputation of a mamma is very rare , and this is assumed to be the first report of in toto amputation. A 58-year-old patient presented at our clinic with an ulcer on her left thoracic wall, as well axillary lymphadenopathy, after experiencing auto-amputation of the mamma four months previously. A biopsy of the ulcer base demonstrated an infiltrating, ductal mamma carcinoma. Special investigations indicated no distant metastases. Chemotherapy was initiated. The process of auto-amputation presumably ensues from necrosis of the skin and supporting tissues of the breast. The importance of regular screening is advised to detect such late presentations.
Author's affiliations
Pieter Van der Bijl,
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auto-amputation; breast; ductal carcinoma
Cite this article
South African Medical Journal 2008;98(4):262.
Article History
Date submitted: 2007-12-09
Date published: 2008-04-09
Date published: 2008-04-09
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