Paget's disease of the nipple is characterized by large pale cells with prominent nucleoli within the nipple epidermis. These cells represent:
- A Intraepidermal spread of underlying ductal carcinoma cells ✓
- B Malignant melanocytes migrating from a superficial spreading melanoma
- C Squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the nipple skin
- D Merkel cell carcinoma involving the epidermis
Correct answer: A. Intraepidermal spread of underlying ductal carcinoma cells
Explanation
Paget's disease of the nipple represents intraepidermal spread of malignant cells from an underlying breast ductal carcinoma (in situ or invasive) through the lactiferous ducts into the nipple epidermis. Paget cells express EMA, CK7, and HER2 and can be distinguished from melanoma by absence of S100/HMB-45 and from squamous carcinoma by the glandular marker profile. Clinically it presents as erythematous, eczematous nipple skin.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.