Hematolymphoid Neoplasms of Breast – A Case Series with Review of Lymphoid Cell Rich Lesions of Breast

Abstract

Objective: Hematolymphoid neoplasms involving breast (HLNB) are rare with majority of lesions in breast being epithelial in nature. There are no characteristic clinical and radiologic features to distinguish breast carcinomas from HLNB. However, it is essential to recognise lesion as hematolymphoid in nature for appropriate patient management. This case series highlights clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of HLNB of breast.
 Methods: Clinical data (age, sex, laterality, site and size of breast tumor, interval of secondary breast involvement, stage, treatment and clinical follow up), radiologic and pathologic features of patients with HLNB over a period of 6 years (2014-20) were recorded. Pathologic differential diagnosis of lymphoid cell rich lesions of breast are also discussed.
 Results: Six cases of HLNB were identified during this period. This constitutes 0.22 % of malignancies of breast, 0.4% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 1.2% of extra nodal NHL and one case each of myeloid sarcoma and plasmacytoma.
 Conclusion: HLNB are extremely rare and histologically mimics numerous other entities, which may be misdiagnosed without immunohistochemical evaluation. Thus, it is critical for a pathologist to be aware of the diagnostic features and pitfalls to avoid misinterpretation.