MALIGNANT T-CELL LYMPHOMA OF THE BREAST-REPORT OF A CASE-

Abstract

A 45-year-old woman was seen at the hospital because of a left breast tumor. A 3×2cm elastic hard, sharply demarcated, and well movable tumor with smooth surface was confirmed in the C area of the left breast. With mammography and ultrasonography, breast cancer was suspected and a biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination and immunohistologic stainings revealed malignant lymphoma, diffuse, large cell and T-cell type. A modified radical mastectomy (Patey method) was performed and one positive node was confirmed in the axillary lymph nodes. About 2.5 months after the operation, the patient experienced recurrence in the mediastinum and after a temporary remission with CHOP-Bleo regimen, she died of leukemic change one year and 7 months later. This case was thought to be lymphoma type of ATL because of positive response to anti-HTLV-1 antibody. But most cases of T-cell malignant lymphoma of the breast are anti-HTLV-1 antibody positive and have a poor prognosis. These cases might be preferable to be considered as lymphoma type ATL which formed a breast tumor rather than T cell malignant lymphoma arisen in the breast, and hence potent chemotherapy would be mandatary.