Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple: Case Report With Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatopathology

Background:

• Paget disease is often suspected with nipple discharge and skin changes.
• Metaplastic carcinoma is a differential diagnosis in patients with prior breast cancer and radiation history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an unusual case of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple.
• To highlight the diagnostic considerations for rare nipple malignancies.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation of bloody nipple discharge and skin thickening.
• Skin punch biopsy revealing high-grade carcinoma with squamous features.
• Central lumpectomy confirming invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple with Bowen disease.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple, arising in the context of Bowen disease.
• Absence of ductal carcinoma in situ or conventional invasive ductal carcinoma in background breast tissue.
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple (in situ and invasive) is rarely reported.

Conclusions:

• Invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple is a rare entity.
• Bowen disease can act as a precursor lesion.
• Consideration of this rare diagnosis is crucial in patients with a history of breast cancer.