Paget's disease of the nipple is characterized histologically by which of the following?
- A Large pale cells with vesicular nuclei (Paget cells) within the epidermis ✓
- B Signet-ring cells within dermal lymphatics
- C Lobular carcinoma in situ extending to the nipple
- D Intraductal papilloma with nipple involvement
Correct answer: A. Large pale cells with vesicular nuclei (Paget cells) within the epidermis
Explanation
Paget's disease of the nipple shows characteristic intraepidermal Paget cells — large cells with abundant pale cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei — representing malignant ductal cells migrating from an underlying carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma. These cells are PAS-positive and HER2-overexpressing in the majority of cases. Signet-ring cells in dermal lymphatics describe inflammatory breast cancer, not Paget's disease.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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