Splenic marginal zone lymphoma involving the breast: lessons in patient-centered care

Authors

Ariba Khan, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Michael L. Malone, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Charles A. Bomzer, Aurora Advanced HealthcareFollow

Recommended Citation

Khan A, Malone ML, Bomzer C. Splenic marginal zone lymphoma involving the breast: lessons in patient-centered care. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2014;62(2):405-7.

Affiliations

Center for Senior Health and Longevity

Abstract

Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare, indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that commonly involves the spleen, bone marrow, and blood. This letter describes a 78-year-old woman with long-standing SMZL presenting with a rare case of breast involvement. Treatment options are not well researched in older adults who have limited life expectancy because of multiple comorbidities. The complex decision-making process included exploring the woman’s life circumstances and behaviors. The only therapeutic option available was radiation therapy, which would not reduce mortality but might reduce disease-specific morbidity. Quality of life may be compromised because of side effects from radiation therapy. This case describes additional challenges of decision-making in the context of cognitive impairment.

Document Type

Case Report

PubMed ID

24521384