Thoracoabdominal flap as an alternative to close large soft tissue defects after mastectomies in cases of locally advanced breast cancer

A 50-year-old woman presented with an ulcerated tumor in the right breast that had been progressing for 2 years.

Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pure HER 2-type breast carcinoma. The CT scan showed a large tumor mass in the right breast measuring approximately 19 × 14 cm, with skin and pectoral muscle involvement. Lung metastases were observed (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

After completing neoadjuvant treatment, a wide excision was performed, leaving a significant defect after surgery. To close the defect, a thoracoabdominal flap was planned. The patient presented a postoperative period without complications.