Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the breast: imaging characteristics and correlation with histopathologic findings.

Purpose: To determine the imaging characteristics of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of the breast and correlate these findings with histopathologic subtype.

Materials And Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed records in 32 cases of histologically proved NHL in 29 women. Mammography was performed before biopsy in all cases, and breast sonography was performed before biopsy in eight.

Results: Mammary NHL was primary in 21 of the 32 cases (66%) and secondary in 11 (34%). Mammography revealed a solitary, uncalcified mass in 22 cases (69%), multiple masses in three (9%), and diffuse increased opacity with skin thickening in three (9%). Four cases (13%) had normal findings. Seven of the eight sonograms revealed masses, which were solitary in five and multiple in two. Histologic examination showed diffuse NHL in 26 cases (81%) and follicular NHL in six (19%). No mammographic or sonographic features were identified that helped distinguish primary from secondary disease or follicular from diffuse NHL.

Conclusion: Although the imaging characteristics may suggest the possibility of breast NHL, none of the findings are pathognomonic. The imaging pattern of mammary NHL is unrelated to its histopathologic subtype.