Primary breast lymphoma

Breast involvement by non-Hodgkin lymphoma is uncommon. Differences between primary and secondary breast lymphoma have been well-defined. However, histopathological features, therapeutic approach and outcome are still debated. We report the clinical and pathological features of 5 cases of malignant lymphoma primarily involving the breast. The literature is extensively reviewed paying particular attention to pathological features, therapeutic approach and survival analysis. All patients were women; the median age was 63.2 yr. The clinical course was indistinguishable from that of breast carcinoma. High-grade lymphoma was found in 4 cases; T cell lineage antigens were expressed in one case. All patients were in stage I or II. Treatment consisted of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The follow-up period ranged from 20 to 54 months (mean, 33.2). All patients are still in complete clinical remission. Analysis of the literature showed that about 80% of cases are high grade lymphoma. In this group, stage I at presentation statistically gives the best survival rate; surgery does not appear to have a role in high-grade lymphoma treatment.