Granulocytic sarcoma of breast: Aleukemic bilateral metachronous presentation and literature review

Abstract

This report describes an unusual case of bilateral metachronous granulocytic sarcoma of the breast. The patient initially did not have evidence of leukemia and her marrow cell culture in soft agar (CFU-C array) showed normal in vitro growth pattern. The patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy at a time when there was no evidence for systemic disease but she nevertheless developed meningeal leukemia and bone marrow disease 11 and 18 months, respectively, following the initial chemotherapy.

Breast leukemia: an update

“…Third, breast leukemia can relapse after therapy/stem cell transplantation (1, 2, 5, 46,76,77). In our study, BL was most frequently diagnosed after therapy of systemic disease (42.4%).…”

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation as Treatment for Primary Granulocytic Sarcoma of the Breast

“…Since its first description by Burns in 1811 [7], it has been known under different names including myeloblastoma, chloroma, chloroleukemia, and monocytic sarcoma [1]. More than 50 % of these tumors are misdiagnosed as malignant lymphoproliferative disorders [1,8].…”

“…It can occur as an initial presentation or as a relapse of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or other chronic myeloproliferative disorders [1]. Its presence in covert anatomic locations and histologic appearance mimicking lymphoma make correct diagnosis more difficult [1]. The majority of isolated GS tends to progress to AML within 1 year [2].…”

Aleukemic Granulocytic Sarcoma Presenting at Multiple Sites: Ovary, Breast and Soft Tissue

“…2 Patients with granulocytic sarcoma have a poor prognosis and the majority of patients without bone marrow infiltration at presentation die of leukemia within an average of 16.5 months after diagnosis. 4,5 Granulocytic sarcoma of the breast is an unusual site of presentation occurring mainly in young women, with high incidence of bilaterality. 4–8 The ovary contains tumor in approximately 25% of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at autopsy and in up to 50% of those with leukemia.…”

“…4,5 Granulocytic sarcoma of the breast is an unusual site of presentation occurring mainly in young women, with high incidence of bilaterality. 4–8 The ovary contains tumor in approximately 25% of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at autopsy and in up to 50% of those with leukemia. However, with the exception of Burkitt lymphoma, ovarian involvement as the initial manifestation of lymphoma or leukemia is rare.…”