Clinical and Mammographic Findings of Primary Lymphoma of the Breast

Chang, So Yong; Kim, Eun Kyung; Oh, Ki Keun; Park, Su Mi; Chung, Hyun Cheol; Paik, So Ya

Abstract

PURPOSE
To determine the clinical and mammographic characteristics of primary lymphoma of the breast.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The clinical and mammographic records of five patients (six breasts; bilateral involvement in one patient) with histologically-proven lymphoma of the breast were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS
All patients had complained of a palpable tender mass with relatively rapid growth over a period of about 3 months. In five cases, the mass was located in the right breast and in one case in the left. Mammography revealed diffuse increased opacity of the entire breast in three cases, a homogeneous well-defined mass in one, multiple well-defined masses in one, and ill-defined lobulated opacity in one. Skin thickening and architectural distortion was seen in one case, and axillary lymphadenopathy in two. In no case was microcalcification and nipple retraction seen.
CONCLUSION
In primary breast lymphoma, mammographic finding are non-specific. When a breast grows rapidly and is tender, however, and mammography shows a relatively large well defined mass and associated axillary lymphadenoapathy, the possibility of primary lymphoma should be considered.