Recurring Breast Cancer in a Patient With Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare group of inherited bullous disorders characterized by fragility of epithelial tissues, blisters, and nonhealing wounds produced by mechanical trauma. Clinical manifestations vary based on the EB subgroup; however, even within the same subgroup severity can differ among patients. In the recessive dystrophic EB subgroup, the patients are never wound free, thus proving effective wound care is complicated. Because wound dressings may cover extensive areas of the patient’s body, it often is difficult to recognize and treat other serious systemic diseases that emerge with mild skin manifestations. We present the case of a woman with breast cancer and recessive dystrophic EB.