Microglandular adenosis of the breast--a lesion simulating tubular carcinoma

The clinical and pathological features of six cases of a hitherto undescribed lesion of the breast are reported for which the term 'microglandular adenosis' has been proposed. This is characterized by a proliferation of small uniform glands lined by epithelial cells without apparent myoepithelial cells and with usually open lumina. The glands lie 'naked' in adipose tissue or within fibrous tissue. Because of these features, the lesion mimics and is easily confused with tubular carcinoma, but attention to a set of criteria which are discussed should allow for their separation.