When a Lump is More Than Just a Lump: Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Pediatric Breast Mass

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2023 Mar 1;45(2):99-102. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002615. Epub 2023 Jan 19.

Abstract

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma characterized by a cluster of differentiation-30 positivity. Subtypes are characterized by positive or negative anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression. ALCLs account for about 10% to 15% of all pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphomas and more than 90% of the cases are ALK-positive. We report a rare case of pediatric systemic ALK-negative ALCL with an atypical presentation as a painful breast mass. Despite the general benign features of most pediatric breast masses, it is important to consider malignant systemic diagnoses like the one reported here.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast* / pathology
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic* / pathology
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases