[Adenoma of the nipples]

The adenoma of the nipple (syn.: erosive adenomatosis, papillary adenoma, florid papillomatosis) is a benign tumour of the major nipple ducts and presents chiefly as an eroded oozing and crusted lesion with serous or sanguineous discharge of the nipple or as an indurated nodule. The lesion can be mistaken clinically for Paget's disease of the nipple. The correct diagnosis, however, can easily be established by an incisional biopsy. Pathohistologically, the tumour displays adenomatous and papillomatous proliferation of the milk sinus epithelium. An outer myoepithelial and inner columnar epithelium layer can mostly be distinguished. Atypical cellular features are lacking. Keratin cysts near the mostly eroded epidermal surface are are additional characteristic signs. The resection of the nipple is the therapy of choice. The adenoma of the nipple is no precancerous condition. A typical case of adenoma of the nipple from a 54 year old woman is presented.