Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Breast: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Breast lymphomas are rare extranodal lymphomas. They constitute a tiny percentage of malignant tumors of the breast and a small subset of extranodal lymphomas. The rarity of breast lymphomas is attributed to the very scanty lymphoid tissue content of the chest wall. AIMS OF STUDY: This case report aims to provide an up-to-date review of the literature on breast lymphomas and clinicians to consider the possibility of this disease entity while treating a breast mass. CASE PRESENTATION: A case is reported of primary mammary non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a 52-year-old man. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was inconclusive. Incisional biopsy-confirmed primary breast lymphoma was diagnosed as the diffuse large B-cell type: non – Hodgkin lymphoma. He had complete disease remission in response to chemotherapy – Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisolone (CHOP). After that, the patient did not require further surgical intervention. He was followed up at two-monthly intervals for eighteen months in the surgical outpatient clinic with no disease recurrence and satisfactory clinical outcome, following which he discontinued follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: While assessing breast masses, clinicians must recognize primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma as a potential differential diagnosis. A core biopsy of breast masses is needed to exclude it, and appropriate treatment must be given if diagnosed.