Metachronous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Breasts: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Primary breast lymphoma (PBL) is a rare form of extranodal lymphoma. The most common pathology is diffuse large B cell lymphoma and most patients are diagnosed at stages 1 and 2. The therapeutic options available so far include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy

The patient was a 54-year old woman with localized primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The patient underwent 6 courses of chemotherapy with an R-CHOP regimen followed by radiotherapy of the breast and regional lymph nodes with a dose of 40 Gy. In PET scan done three months later, the patient was in complete remission. Around one year later, the patient experienced relapse in the contralateral breast.

In the pattern of lapse of patients, there is a tendency for extranodal relapse. In some studies it has been speculated that there is a high probability of relapse in central nervous system (CNS) and some authorities advocate CNS prophylaxis in these patients. The best outcome would be for patients treated with chemotherapy including rituximab followed by radiation. We reviewed some studies regarding treatment modalities and site of relapse.