Case-Based Review of Breast Lymphomas

This article will review several cases of histologically-proven primary and secondary breast lymphomas to demonstrate the multimodal radiologic features, as well as to discuss the approach to diagnostic work up of lymphomas encountered during imaging of the breast and axilla.

Imaging findings of breast lymphoma can overlap with those of primary breast cancer. When there is any clinical suspicion for lymphoma in indeterminate or suspicious breast or axillary findings, definitive tissue diagnosis should be pursued with flow cytometry in addition to routine histologic analysis.

Breast lymphomas can have varied clinical presentations and nonspecific mammographic and sonographic findings. It can be challenging to radiologically differentiate lymphomas seen in the breast and axilla from primary breast cancers or benign lesions. Without pathognomonic imaging features, tissue sampling via imaging guided biopsy is frequently required. Knowledge of the spectrum of imaging findings and clinical presentations are fundamental to ensure appropriate clinical management.