Papillary Apocrine Metaplasia of the Breast Mimicking Papillary Neoplasm: A Case Report

Abstract

Apocrine metaplasia is a benign fibrocystic change characterized by dilated acini lined by columnar cells with apocrine features. These apocrine-like cells form papillary clumps of cells extending into the cystic space called papillary apocrine metaplasia. The researchers report a case of a 48-year-old woman who presented with a palpable mass in the right breast. Breast ultrasonography and MRI showed a large complex cystic and solid mass. A differential diagnosis included intraductal papilloma or intracystic papillary carcinoma. She underwent surgery and the final diagnosis was papillary apocrine metaplasia.

Keywords

• metaplasia
• breast
• ultrasonography
• magnetic resonance imaging