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Article
Splenic marginal zone lymphoma involving the breast: lessons in patient-centered care
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
  • Ariba Khan, Advocate Aurora Health
  • Michael L Malone, Advocate Aurora Health
  • Charles A Bomzer, Aurora Advanced Healthcare
Affiliations

Center for Senior Health and Longevity

Publication Date
2-1-2014
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
Citation Information
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.