Nodular mucinosis of the breast: report of three cases

Three cases of nodular mucinosis of the breast are presented. They occurred in one male and two female patients. The patients had no signs of Carney's syndrome. All lesions were located under the nipple. They were poorly circumscribed and unencapsulated. They were soft and had a gelatinous consistency and white color. No patient had any evidence of recurrence or metastasis 6 months, 3 years and 6 years, respectively, after the surgical excision. The mucinous tissue consisted of acid mucopolysaccharides, which stained Alcian blue, Hale's colloidal iron positively, and they were periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) negative. Mucicarmine reaction was only faintly positive. The lesion should be distinguished particularly from mucocele-like lesions of the breast by the location, nodular arrangement, absence of accompanying ductal hyperplasia and staining properties of the mucous substances.