The association between rheumatoid arthritis and cancer is controversial. Previous studies have shown a correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and the development of lymphoma.
Describe a case of rheumatoid arthritis and associated breast cancer plus the identification of the clinical features of a set of cases in which arthritis and cancer go along.
This is a retrospective clinical series study. A database of Hospital General ISSSTECALI of Mexicali, Mexico, containing information on patients suffering from both rheumatoid arthritis and cancer until 2012 was checked. The medical files confirmed the diagnoses. The data available included age, date of arthritis diagnosis, date of cancer diagnosis, related conditions, results of serological tests, type of cancer, treatments used and follow-up information.
Fifteen cases of women suffering from both rheumatoid arthritis and cancer were identified on the database of the Hospital General ISSSTECALI in Mexicali. The case described here is the number four on that list. The average age was 54 years and the average time between arthritis and cancer diagnoses was four years. Ten patients were administered methotrexate. Nine patients (60%) suffered from breast cancer and six more from cervical cancer. Three patients suffered from cervical dysplasia.
These cases emphasize the need of strict follow-up on patients suffering from inflammatory rheumatoid condition. If cancer follows chronic inflammation, immunosuppression, or it is pure coincidence, is still a matter of debate.