Pigmented mammary Paget's disease mimicking melanoma

Melanoma Res. 2004 Apr;14(2):S13-5. doi: 10.1097/00008390-200404000-00017.

Abstract

Our case of pigmented mammary Paget's disease simulated melanoma clinically and dermoscopically. Histologically, the lesion was characterized by microscopic features similar to those seen in malignant melanoma and, to a lesser extent, in Bowen's disease (intra-epidermal squamous cell carcinoma). Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that the tumor cells were positive for keratins (Cam 5.2+MNF 116) and AE1-AE3 and negative for HMB-45 and S-100 proteins. In conclusion clinical and dermoscopic examination cannot reliably distinguish melanoma from epithelial pre-neoplastic or neoplastic disease, therefore the differentiation of pigmented Paget's disease from superficial spreading of melanoma and Bowen's disease is based on histopathologic integrated with immunohistochemical criteria.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratins / metabolism
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Paget's Disease, Mammary / diagnosis*
  • Paget's Disease, Mammary / metabolism
  • Paget's Disease, Mammary / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Keratins