Fibroepithelial polyp (Acrochordon) of breast nipple– A rare clinical presentation

Abstract

Fibroepithelial polyp (FEP) or acrochordon are skin tags frequently arising in skin folds in locations like the neck, axilla, perineum, eyelids and chest wall. Only 7 cases of FEP of the nipple have been reported in the literature so far. Here we report such a rare case diagnosed on FNAC and Biopsy.

Large Fibroepithelial Stromal Polyp of the Breast Nipple

“…FEPs, also known as acrochordon, are common benign dermal mesenchymal tumors. They are characterized by a polypoid proliferation of the stroma with overlying squamous epithelium that gradually enlarges in size [1,4,5]. Typical histologic features of FEPs include hyperplastic epidermis surrounding a core of fibrovascular tissue with dense collagen fibers [4,6].…”

“…They are characterized by a polypoid proliferation of the stroma with overlying squamous epithelium that gradually enlarges in size [1,4,5]. Typical histologic features of FEPs include hyperplastic epidermis surrounding a core of fibrovascular tissue with dense collagen fibers [4,6]. They are commonly seen in women of reproductive age, often during pregnancy or in postmenopausal women under hormone replacement therapy.…”

“…However, this was a study examining all fibroepithelial polyps and not specifically FEPs of the nipple. The main concern for patients presenting with FEPs is that other common malignancies such as intraductal papilloma, leiomyoma, and metaplastic (spindle cell) carcinoma may have similar presentations, so it is important to undergo histopathological analysis for definitive diagnosis [4,7,8].…”

A soft fibroma of the nipple

“…Soft fibromas are slow‐growing benign tumors of the skin that are typically present in women of reproductive age. Although these lesions generally develop in the intertriginous area such as the neck, axillae, and vulvovaginal locations, in rare cases they can be found in the nipple, making diagnosis difficult 1 . Although the nipple may be affected by a variety of disorders, 2 doctors should consider soft fibroma as one of the differential diagnoses of nipple lesions.…”