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Postirradiation pseudosclerodermatous panniculitis
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Postirradiation pseudosclerodermatous panniculitis

Contributors: Vivian Wong MD, PhD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Postirradiation pseudosclerodermatous panniculitis (PIPP) is an extremely rare complication of radiation characterized by a delayed inflammatory process involving the subcutaneous fat. Clinically, it presents as an erythematous, indurated plaque or subcutaneous nodule at a previously radiated anatomic site and could mimic recurrence of the malignancy. PIPP can occur months to years after radiation. The chest wall is the most common site, usually following radiation for breast cancer. Extrathoracic locations such as the leg, due to radiation therapy for Kaposi sarcoma and liposarcoma, have also been reported. Women are predominantly affected.

Codes

ICD10CM:
M79.3 – Panniculitis, unspecified
Y84.2 – Radiological procedure and radiotherapy as the cause of abnormal reaction of the patient, or of later complication, without mention of misadventure at the time of the procedure

SNOMEDCT:
22125009 – Panniculitis
431010004 – Late effect of radiation therapy

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:07/23/2025
Last Updated:08/06/2025
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Postirradiation pseudosclerodermatous panniculitis
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