Learning objectives
To describe the normal anatomy and anatomic variants of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC).
To know the imaging techniques used to study this complex.
To review benign and malignant conditions that can affect it.
To propose a diagnostic algorithm for its imaging workup.
Background
The nipple-areolar complex can be affected by congenital anomalies and acquired benign and malignant diseases that often have overlapping clinical presentations.
Breast cancer management varies in function of whether the complex is involved. Accurate diagnosis of nipple-areola complex conditions requires knowledge of the normal anatomy and its variants as well as familiarity with the different conditions and their imaging characteristics.
Findings and procedure details
This poster has four sections: normal anatomy and its variants,
imaging techniques,
benign and malignant conditions involving the NAC,
and an algorithm for the diagnostic workup of patients with NAC involvement that takes into account patient age,
clinical findings,
and hormone status.
A.
Normal anatomy and variants
The NAC is composed of (Fig. 1):
Stratified keratinized squamous epithelium,
which lines the NAC externally and extends into the breast through the orifices of the nipple duct.
Montgomery glands,
which are sebaceous glands that can secrete milk....
Conclusion
The anatomic complexity of the nipple-areolar complex and the broad spectrum of clinical features can make it challenging to diagnose conditions involving this region.
Joint assessment of clinical,
imaging,
and histologic findings is essential to ensure the correct diagnosis.
References
- Nicholson,
B.,
Harvey,
J.
and Cohen,
M.
(2009).
Nipple-Areolar Complex: Normal Anatomy and Benign and Malignant Processes.RadioGraphics,
29(2),
pp.509-523.
- Da Costa,
D.,
Taddese,
A.,
Cure,
M.,
Gerson,
D.,
Poppiti,
R.
and Esserman,
L.
(2007).
Common and Unusual Diseases of the Nipple-Areolar Complex.RadioGraphics,
27(suppl_1),
pp.S65-S77.
- Dillon,
D.
and Lester,
S.
(2009).
Lesions of the Nipple.Surgical Pathology Clinics,
2(2),
pp.391-412.
- Spyropoulou,
G.,
Pavlidis,
L.,
Trakatelli,
M.,
Athanasiou,
E.,
Pazarli,
E.,
Sotiriadis,
D.
and Demiri,
E.
(2014).
Rare benign tumours of the nipple.Journal of...
