Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple.

Abstract

The erosive adenomatosis of the nipple (EAN) is a benign proliferation of the ducts that usually affects the woman in the 5th decade, although pediatric cases have been reported exceptionally (1). Initially the lesion, which affects usually only one nipple, may be asymptomatic or manifest as pruritus, erythema, erosions, crusts; later on a hard nodule appears on the nipple. In the first stage, EAN may be indistinguishable from eczema or Paget disease. The pathological findings are diagnostic showing in the dermis the presence of tubules lined by cuboidal cells with apocrine secretion and outside by myoepithelial cells. Its removal can hinder breastfeeding and require a reconstruction of the nipple (3). Cryotherapy (2), and Mohs surgery (3) have been proposed.