We have located links that may give you full text access.
Journal Article
Review
Lesions of the Nipple.
Surgical Pathology Clinics 2009 June
Because of the singular anatomic structure of the nipple, some breast lesions only occur at this site. The overlying skin includes normal Toker cells near the duct orifices. These cells are occasionally so numerous as to be called Toker cell hyperplasia. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may involve nipple skin by direct extension from the underlying ducts (Paget disease of the nipple). The numerous skin appendages (eg, sebaceous, apocrine, and eccrine glands(1)) in the nipple and areola are the likely origin of syringomatous adenomas. At the duct orifices, the normal squamous epithelium dips into the breast for a short distance and abruptly transitions to glandular luminal and myoepithelial cells. When keratin-producing cells extend deeper into the ducts, the condition of squamous metaplasia of lactiferous ducts (SMOLD) results. With age, the lactiferous sinuses are subject to weakened duct walls, inspissated secretions, and rupture, which result in the inflammatory masses or nipple discharge associated with duct ectasia. Superficial epithelial proliferations within the large lactiferous sinuses form nipple adenomas, and deeper proliferations often result in large-duct papillomas. Below the areola is a supporting smooth muscle layer that can give rise to leiomyomas, although these tumors are extraordinarily rare. The proximity of these lesions to the skin results in the majority of them presenting as palpable masses, skin changes, or nipple discharge. Biopsy specimens from these lesions may be small, superficial, or fragmented because of concern about maintaining the cosmetic appearance of the nipple and areola. Knowledge of the location of the biopsy, and the clinical presentation, is often essential in making the correct diagnosis.
Full text links
Related Resources
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app