Axillary contralateral recurrence in breast cancer

case report and literature review

Abstract

Axillary contralateral lymph nodes recurrence is uncommon after curative breast cancer treatment. When the contralateral axilla is involved in a woman with a breast cancer history, the diagnostic and correct approach are a dilemma. Although it is traditionally considered a distant event, many studies have shown that aberrant lymph drainage is common after previous breast surgery. This might indicate that axillary contralateral lymph nodes recurrence is a regional event. Therefore, its treatment should be with curative rather than palliative intent. The aim of this article was to report the case of a young woman with invasive carcinoma in the left breast and a posterior axillary contralateral recurrence, and to review the literature about this infrequent and controversial issue.