A Rare Case of Necrotising Fasciitis of the Breast Arising From Undiagnosed Breast Cancer
Abstract
Necrotising fasciitis is a rapidly progressing soft tissue infection that rarely occurs in the breast. Clinical features include erythema, swelling, skin necrosis and bullae, with pain disproportionate to examination. Early recognition coupled with prompt initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical debridement is paramount in preventing multiorgan dysfunction and mortality. We describe a 61-year-old woman with a rare case of necrotising fasciitis of the breast arising from undiagnosed underlying breast cancer. This patient underwent urgent mastectomy for source control, supplemented by broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Streptococcal Infections and Treatments
Breast Lesions and Carcinomas
Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cureus
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- e104977–e104977
- Publication date
- 10 March 2026
- Language
- EN