Lesions of the Nipple

Lesions of the nipple are several-fold, typically presenting as either an erythematous rash, with or without associated tenderness, and/or as a palpable mass. Lesions involving the nipple can be divided into those that involve the large ducts, which may be inflammatory or neoplastic lesions; those that involve the smooth muscle of the nipple, i.e., leiomyoma and those that involve the skin, i.e., Paget’s disease. Lesions of the nipple are rarely, if ever, sampled by core needle biopsy; however, skin punch biopsies may be performed and some of the same issues that arise concerning small sample size with the associated loss of overall architectural features remain relevant.