Primary non-hodgkin’s lymphoma of breast- malt type: A case report

The breast is a very uncommon primary site for extra-nodal lymphoma. The Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) of breast typically presents as unilateral mass; the frequency of bilateral disease at first presentation ranges from 5-25%. Majority of them are of B cell phenotype. We report a rare case of Primary Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of B cell phenotype, MALT (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma of Breast, suspected on fine needle aspiration cytology and confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemical markers. Lymphoepithelial lesions were identified histologically, and the majority of the cell population were confirmed as lymphoma cells of B cell origin on immunohistochemistry. This case highlights the limitations of cytology and the importance of histological examination supported by immunohistochemistry for making a definitive diagnosis of primary breast lymphoma (PBL). In view of the rarity of the lesion at this site, the case is being reported.