Case Report: Primary Breast Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

  • Vienna Alodia Lesmana Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana
  • Michael Setiawan Putra Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana
  • Elia Wirastuti Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana

Abstract

Background: Primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a rare entity, accounting for less than 0.5% of all primary breast malignancies and less than 1% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It is often challenging to diagnosed due to its clinical and histopathological resemblance to invasive breast carcinoma. Objective: To report the diagnostic journey and histopathological characteristics of a rare case of primary breast DLBCL and to highlight the importance of immunohistochemical examination in establishing an accurate diagnosis. Methods: This case report documents a 47-year-old female patient presenting with a right breast mass. The diagnosis was established through histopathological examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Initial histopathology suggested the possibility of medullary-pattern invasive breast carcinoma with a differential diagnosis of large-cell lymphoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed diffuse positive expression of CD20, negative expression of CK5/6 and CD3, and a Ki67 proliferation index exceeding 30%. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of primary breast DLBCL. Conclusion: Primary breast DLBCL is a rare malignancy that should be considered as a differential diagnosis for high-grade breast tumors. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations play a crucial role in ensuring an accurate diagnosis. The primary treatment approach involves systemic chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy, while radical mastectomy is not recommended as it may worsen the patient's prognosis.

 

Keywords:   Primary breast lymphoma; Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; Breast tumor; Histopathology; Immunohistochemistry; Case report.

 

References

Alkerata, A., Al-janabi, M. H., Ahmad, Y. I., Jbeili, S. S., & Ahmad, I. Y. (2024). Primary breast lymphoma: A rare case report. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 122, 110120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.110120

Aviv, D. A., Tadmor, T., & Polliack, A. (2013). Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the breast: Looking at pathogenesis, clinical issues and therapeutic options. Annals of Oncology, 24(9), 2236–2244. https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdt192

Avenia, N., Sanguinetti, A., Cirocchi, R., Bistoni, G., Trastulli, S., D’Ajello, F., et al. (2010). Primary breast lymphomas: A multicentric experience. World Journal of Surgical Oncology, 8, 2–5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7819-8-53

Bellizzi, A. M. (2020). An algorithmic immunohistochemical approach to define tumor type and assign site of origin. Advances in Anatomic Pathology, 27(3), 114–163. https://doi.org/10.1097/PAP.0000000000000256

Chen, M., Zhou, J., & Qu, X. (2021). Primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a 42-year-old female: A case report and review of literature. Journal of Medical Cases, 12(5), 181–185. https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3688

Gagnier, J. J., Kienle, G., Altman, D. G., Moher, D., Sox, H., Riley, D., & the CARE Group. (2013). The CARE guidelines: Consensus-based clinical case reporting guideline development. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 66(7), 760–767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2013.04.003

Gluskin, J., D’Alessio, D., Kim, A. C., Morris, E. A., Chiu, A., & Noy, A. (2020). Primary lymphoma of the breast: A report of two cases. Clinical Imaging, 68, 295–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.06.034

Guo, M., Liu, J., Gilmore, R., & Tian, G. G. (2022). Primary breast diffuse large B cell lymphoma. BMJ Case Reports, 15(6), e249714. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2022-249714

Ho, C. W. G., Mantoo, S., Lim, C. H., & Wong, C. Y. (2014). Synchronous invasive ductal carcinoma and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma of the breast: A case report and review of the literature. World Journal of Surgical Oncology, 12(1), 242. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7819-12-242

Jennings, W. C., Baker, R. S., Murray, S. S., Howard, C. A., Parker, D. E., Peabody, L. F., & Bliss, J. D. (2007). Primary breast lymphoma: The role of mastectomy and the importance of lymph node status. Annals of Surgery, 245(5), 784–789. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.sla.0000252592.75511.19

Jia, Y., Sun, C., Tang, Y., Wang, L., Zhu, H., Zhao, Y., & Wu, Z. (2018). Primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A population-based study from the SEER database. Oncology Letters, 15(6), 8902–8914. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2018.8486

Li, D., Deng, J., He, H., Bu, Y., Peng, F., Tang, X., et al. (2012). Primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma shows an activated B-cell–like phenotype. Annals of Diagnostic Pathology, 16(5), 335–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2012.01.002

Lokesh, K. N., Sathyanarayanan, V., Lakshmaiah, K. C., Suresh, T. M., Babu, K. G., & Lokanatha, D. (2013). Primary breast diffuse large B cell lymphoma – Report of 6 cases from South India with review of literature. Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology, 4(4), 368–373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13193-013-0251-y

López Prior, V., Martin García, I., Pelechano Gómez, P., & Barrios Benito, M. (2022). Primary lymphoma of the prostate: A report of two cases. Medicina Nuclear, 46(1), 34–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mednuc.2021.04.005

Maccio, U., D’Angelo, E., Re, A., & Rossi, G. (2025). Clinical and pathological features of lymphomas in the breast. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 4216. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13214-w

Parashar, K., Nepal, P., Assaker, R., Vargas, J., & Rosasco, S. (2021). Incidentally detected non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the breast: A case report with review of literature. Radiology Case Reports, 16(1), 205–209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2020.11.009

Pereira, R., Abdelwahab, M., Riad, M., & El-Morsy, A. (2023). Locally advanced primary breast lymphoma: Diagnostic challenge and management. Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 54, Article 86. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43055-023-01034-9

Priyono, S. H. (n.d.). A rare case of primary breast lymphoma. Case Report.

Quintana, L. M., & Collins, L. C. (2023). Diagnostic pitfalls in breast cancer pathology with an emphasis on core needle biopsy specimens. Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, 147(9), 1025–1038. https://doi.org/10.5858/arpa.2022-0153-RA

Sakhri, S., Krichen, W., Bouhafa, A., & Ben Romdhane, K. (2023). Primary breast lymphoma: A case series and review of the literature. Journal of Medical Case Reports, 17, Article 163. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-023-03998-8

Topalovski, M., Crisan, D., & Mattson, J. C. (1999). Lymphoma of the breast: A clinicopathologic study of primary and secondary cases. Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, 123(12), 1208–1218. https://doi.org/10.5858/1999-123-1208-LOTBAC

Zhang, N., Cao, C., Zhu, Y., Liu, H., Zhang, Y., & Zhao, Y. (2017). Primary breast lymphoma: A single center study. Oncology Letters, 14(6), 7049–7054. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2017.7072

Published
2025-06-30
How to Cite
Lesmana, V. A., Putra, M. S., & Wirastuti, E. (2025). Case Report: Primary Breast Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Journal of Language and Health, 6(2), 427-432. https://doi.org/10.37287/jlh.v6i2.7154