Primary Breast Lymphoma: A Study of 9 Cases

Aim: Non-Hodgkin's primary lymphoma of the breast is rare. These tumors represent 0.04 to 0.52% of malignant breast pathology, 2.2% of extranodal lymphoma and 0.4% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Clinical and radiological aspects show no special characteristics. The aim of our study is to report the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of patients with primary breast lymphoma.

Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study including 9 patients with primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the breast treated at the institute Salah Azaiez from 2000 to 2013. This sample includes 1 case of follicular lymphoma, 1 case of large T-cell lymphoma and 7 cases of large B-cell lymphoma.

Results: The average patient age was 50 years, ranging from 30 to 76 years. The sex ratio was 0.11 (1 man/8 women). The average consultation time was 3 months (5 days-8 months). The median follow-up period was 43 months (4-192 months).Six patients were older than 60 years; one had disseminated disease and was diagnosed with stage III Ann Arbor classification. All tumors were architecturally diffuse. The overall survival was 100% at one year and 75% at 3 years. Seven patients achieved complete remission after initial treatment, and one relapsed after 2 months. Among the 7 cases of large B cell lymphoma, two cases resulted from the transformation of follicular lymphoma. The average processing time was 17 months.

Conclusion: Primary breast lymphoma is often diagnosed in the late stages of the disease. Treatment should be rapidly implemented. The 5-year survival of stage I of the Ann Arbor classification is higher than that for stage II.