Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Involving the Breast: A Clinicopathologic Study of 6 Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Abstract Context.—Lymphomas involving the breast are rare, and most cases are of B-cell lineage; T-cell neoplasms represent less than 10% of all breast lymphomas. Objective.—To define the clinicopathologic spectrum of anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs) involving the breast. Design.—Six cases of ALCL involving the breast were identified at a single institution during 21 years. The clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic features are presented, and the literature is reviewed. Results.—All patients were women, with a median age of 52 years. There were 4 anaplastic lymphoma kinase– negative (ALK−) ALCL cases; 3 of these neoplasms developed around breast implants. Two patients with ALK− ALCL had a history of cutaneous ALCL. There were 2 ALK+ ALCLs; both patients had stage IV disease. Histologically, all neoplasms were composed of large anaplastic cells that were uniformly CD30+ and expressed markers of T-cell lineage. Four patients with adequate follow-up are alive, with a mean of 4.1 years (range, 1.5–9 years) after diagnosis of the breast tumor. Included in this group are 2 patients with ALK− ALCL associated with breast implants who were alive 4 years and 9 years after diagnosis. Conclusions.—Including the 6 cases we describe, a total of 21 cases of ALCL involving the breast are reported. Fifteen cases, all ALK−, were associated with breast implants, suggesting a possible pathogenetic relationship, and associated with an excellent prognosis. Patients with cutaneous ALCL can subsequently develop ALK− ALCL involving the breast, and these tumors can be associated with breast implants.