[Mammary localization of malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Apropos of 4 cases]

Mammary localizations of non-hodgkinian malignant lymphomas (NHML) are rare. They occur in three different contexts: isolated tumor of the primary mammary lymphoma, initial "first manifestation" tumor of a diffuse lymphomatous disease, or else a mammary tumor occurring during the course of a known NHML. Four cases of mammary localization of NHML are reported. A review of the literature permits to bring out the following characteristics: probable etiological role of pregnancy, clinical picture of one or several masses, uni or bilateral, evoluting rapidly, and frequently associated to inflammatory signs; false benign aspect on mammograms. Histological examination associated with a strict evaluation of the extension is fundamental in order to determine therapy and prognosis. These two factors have been considerably modified in the past two decades as it is the case for all NHML. Chemotherapy occupies an essential place in the treatment. Mammary localization of NHML is first of all a lymphomatous disease, which is often a diffuse disease before becoming a breast disease.