Paget's disease of the nipple is characterized by large, clear, mucin-containing cells in the epidermis of the nipple. These cells represent:

• A Melanocyte proliferation in the nipple epidermis
• B Squamous metaplasia of the nipple duct
• C Intraepidermal spread of underlying ductal carcinoma cells from the breast ✓
• D Toker cell hyperplasia (benign variant)

Explanation

Paget's disease of the nipple represents intraepidermal spread of adenocarcinoma cells from an underlying in-situ or invasive ductal carcinoma tracking up the ducts to the nipple skin. Paget cells are large, pale, mucin-positive cells (PAS+, CK7+, HER2 often amplified) within the squamous epithelium of the nipple and areola. They must be distinguished from melanocytic spread (S-100+, Melan-A+, mucin negative).

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.