Primary classical Hodgkin lymphoma of breast presenting as recurrent breast abscess in a non-lactating woman: a case report and literature review
By
Aliaa Khalili
Bahaa Ibrahim AbuRahmeh
Ibtihal Ahmad SA
Hazim Abosondos
Abdallah Altell
Mohammad Ameen Ishqair
June 30, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Recurrent Breast Abscess in a Non-Lactating Female: A Case of Primary Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Review of Existing Literature
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Primary Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma of the Breast Key Mechanisms Presence of atypical lymphoid cells and Reed–Sternberg cells in breast tissue. Target Population Non-lactating women, particularly aged 31-81 years. Care Setting Surgical clinic and oncology treatment setting.
Key Highlights
Primary breast lymphoma (PBL) accounts for 0.3–0.5% of all breast lymphomas. Recurrent breast abscesses in non-lactating women may indicate underlying malignancy. Diagnosis of PBL often requires biopsy due to nonspecific clinical features. The patient was treated with the BV-AD regimen, resulting in excellent clinical response. Histological confirmation is crucial for accurate diagnosis of breast lymphoma. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Consider biopsy for recurrent breast abscesses in non-lactating women. Management
Initiate treatment with BV-AD regimen for classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regular follow-up for wound healing and response to treatment. Risks
Potential for misdiagnosis due to overlapping features with breast carcinoma. Patient & Prescribing Data
Middle-aged women with recurrent breast abscesses.
BV-AD regimen was chosen to avoid complications from standard ABVD protocol.
Clinical Best Practices
Refer atypical breast abscess cases for surgical review and biopsy. Utilize imaging studies to assess for malignancy in non-healing breast lesions. Related Resources & Content
