Bone marrow metastasis of breast cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A coincidence

Abstract

Objectives. We present an extremely rare case of breast cancer with metastasis to the bone marrow, which was also simultaneously diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Case Presentation. A 56-year-old female with a history of routine blood transfusions presented with chronic fatigue and recurrent right upper quadrant abdominal pain due to cholecystitis. Additionally, nodules were palpable in both breasts, which were subsequently detected as suspicious calcified lesions on ultrasound. Leukocytosis and bi-cytopenia were found. Cholecystectomy was performed and biopsies from some tissues were conducted. Gall bladder and subcutaneous tissue from the umbilical area showed neoplastic cells suggestive of breast carcinoma. Bone marrow biopsy showed CLL and non-hematopoietic cells identical to the previously detected neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the breast carcinoma was ER-positive, PR-positive, and HER2negative. Outcome. After a thorough investigation, the bone marrow depression was proven to result from a metastatic bone marrow lesion from breast cancer diagnosed concurrently with CLL. Conclusions. This circumstance obliged clinicians to be more considerate of the diagnostic approach and treatment of patients with neoplasm presenting with cytopenia. It is to avoid underdiagnosis and ensure that every pathology in the bone marrow is investigated and managed accordingly.