Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Large Congenital Melanocytic Nevus on the Breast Sparing the Nipple and Areola
Can Baykal1, Seyhun Solakoğlu2, Algün Polat Ekinci1
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background:
Divided nevus is a rare entity that has been described for a special appearance of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMNs) occurring on the eyelid and penis. It is presumed that the formation of divided nevi is related with the embryologic development of the eyelid and penis, thus giving a hint about the occurrence time of CMN in utero. This article focuses on a formerly undescribed observation of another special clinical appearance of CMN discussing possible relation with embryogenesis.
Methods:
The data including photographic documentations of a total number of 86 patients with large CMN seen in a single center were reviewed according to the involvement of the nipple and areola by the main mass of the nevus and associated satellite lesions.
Results:
Eight patients presented with CMNs involving one (n=6) or both (n=2) breast region. In all of them, CMN surrounded the nipple-areola complex without involving these structures. Furthermore, satellite nevi have not been observed on the nipple and areola in any of the 86 patients.
Conclusion:
We presume that different developmental time periods of the breast and the nipple-areola complex and the occurrence of the melanocytic lesion before the embryologic development of nipple-areola complex could explain our observation of CMN sparing the nipple-areola complex. The term "nipple-sparing nevus of the breast" is suggested for this special clinical appearance of CMN.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:12The Mammary Glands
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
01:19Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:11Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...