ABSTRACT
Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the breast accounts for fewer than 3% of extranodal lymphomas. As compared to extranodal lymphomas in other sites they are characterised by more rapid progression and a worse prognosis. The aim of the study was to investigate 5 cases of primary lymphoma of the breast and review previous studies in a search for any preoperative characteristics that could assist in the management of lymphoma of the breast. All patients (n = 5) who were diagnosed with lymphomatous involvement of the breast between 1996 and 2004 were evaluated retrospectively. All patients staged IE (breast involvement only) or IIE (limited to the breast and ipsilateral armpit) were included. Most of the primary breast lymphomas were of intermediate grade. Patients received some combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The mean follow-up was 48 months (range 24 to 72 months). All 5 patients survived at least 6 years from the time of diagnosis. Long-term survival in patients with primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the breast is possible. The clinical outcome of patients with breast lymphoma depends on the histology and appears to parallel that of patients with lymphoma of similar histology involving other sites.
