Acute lymphoblastic leukemia simulating breast carcinoma

Abstract

Background Breast metastasis in hematological malignancies is a rare phenomenon, and it is primarily seen in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), this condition is even rarer. Case presentation. We present a case of a precursor B cell ALL involving breast in a 40-year-old female and its imaging features on mammography and ultrasound. Histopathology of core needle biopsy (CNB) specimen allowed us to diagnose ALL with extramedullary metastases. The patient was referred to oncology for further management. Conclusion To conclude, ALL infiltrating breast is rare but should be given due consideration, especially in the cases of known primary hematopoietic malignancy, particularly in patients presenting with a history of sudden lumps in the breast. A CNB can give reliable results in combination with flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, circumventing the need for an excisional biopsy and allowing the commencement of early treatment.