Clear cell acanthoma (CCA)-like lesions of the nipple/areola: A clinicopathological study of 12 cases supporting a nonneoplastic eczematous disease.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clear cell acanthoma (CCA) of the nipple/areola has been reported. The CCA-like histology more likely represents a feature of eczematous dermatitis of the nipple/areola. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed cases of CCA-like lesions of the nipple/areola and compared them with classic CCA to clarify their relationship. METHODS: The clinicopathological features of 12 cases of CCA-like lesions of the nipple/areola were compared with classic CCA. The literature on this condition was reviewed, and the results of various treatments were analyzed. RESULTS: CCA-like lesions of the nipple/areola were clinically different from those of classic CCA. Although they shared the glycogen-rich clear epidermal cells with neutrophilic exocytosis, dermal eosinophils appeared to be a distinctive feature. The anatomic site and association with atopic dermatitis suggested that CCA-like lesions of nipple/areola might represent a manifestation of atopic eczema involving nipple/areola. Topical steroids could be effective. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study with limited cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although CCA-like lesions of the nipple/areola shared histopathological features with classic CCA, their clinical changes were consistent with dermatitis. We propose to name this condition CCA-like eczematous dermatitis of the nipple/areola.