Post-irradiation morphea: An under reported complication

Abstract

Post irradiation morphea (PIM) is a rare complication of radiotherapy, which occurs abruptly after an asymptomatic period of one month to three years and presents with painful sclerotic plaques associated with severe pain and disfigurement. We are reporting a 55-year-old patient of operated breast carcinoma, post chemotherapy; who developed PIM five months after completion of radiotherapy. PIM being a complication of radiotherapy with unpredictable risk factors is an underdiagnosed condition. Early suspiscion of the disease is necessary in order to avoid irreversible complications.