Long‐term analysis of irradiated skin after breast‐conserving surgery in breast cancer patients using noninvasive imaging

Abstract

Abstract Aims In patients with breast cancer, skin assessment is useful for the treatment and prevention of postoperative adverse effects of radiotherapy. This study was designed to clarify the long‐term changes in the irradiated skin of patients after breast‐conserving surgery using visual inspection and noninvasive imaging. Methods We compared changes in the irradiated skin over time between evaluations, based on visual inspection and noninvasive imaging in 31 patients receiving postmastectomy radiation therapy. The condition of the skin was evaluated by visual inspection of the thermogram, and analysis of skin surface temperature, intensity of erythema, intensity of melanin, and hydration level. Results Skin surface temperature remained higher at the irradiation site after 11 months, despite the absence of erythema per visual inspection. The intensity of erythema was higher at the irradiated site until 17–19 months after completion of irradiation. Similarly, the intensity of melanin tended to be higher at the irradiated site compared with the nonirradiated site until 17–19 months. The hydration level at the irradiated site was lower at 6 months but recovered to match the nonirradiated site at 11–13 months. Impaired skin conditions assessed by noninvasive objective procedures persist longer than the assessment made by visual inspection. Conclusions Adverse effects should be treated or prevented in the long term in patients receiving postmastectomy radiation therapy.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• erythema intensity
• hydration level
• radiodermatitis
• skin surface temperature