Breast imaging findings in haematological malignancies

• Published in: Insights into imaging 2014-12, Vol.5 (6), p.715-722
• Main Authors: Glazebrook, K. N., Zingula, S., Jones, K. N., Fazzio, R. T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diagnostic Radiology; Imaging; Internal Medicine; Interventional Radiology; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neuroradiology; Pictorial Review; Radiology; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 1869-4101; 1869-4101
• DOI: 10.1007/s13244-014-0344-2

Objectives The objectives of this article are to review and illustrate the imaging appearances of haematological malignancies in the breast. Methods With Institutional Review Board approval, a search of the surgical pathology records from 1st January 2000 to 1st July 2012 was performed for haematological malignancies. Results Forty-eight cases of haematological malignancies (42 women and 6 men) were identified with imaging available for review: 39 cases of breast lymphoma, 6 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, 2 cases of acute leukaemia and 1 case of known multiple myeloma. Conclusions Breast manifestations of haematological malignancies are rare. They can have a variable appearance at imaging and can mimic primary breast carcinoma. In the setting of suspicious breast imaging findings, pathological diagnosis of haematological malignancy is concordant. Correlation with a clinical history of prior haematological malignancy can be helpful in suggesting the diagnosis and help prevent unnecessary surgical treatment. Teaching Points • Breast haematological malignancies are rare but the imaging appearances can mimic breast carcinoma . • Breast lymphoma, most often B - cell non - Hodgkin lymphoma, may be primary or due to secondary disease . • At ultrasound, haematological malignancies may present as a heterogeneous or predominantly echogenic mass . • Haematological malignancies show intense activity on PET / CT except myeloma which has low FDG uptake .