Abstract
Introduction. Melanocyte colonization of breast carcinoma by nonneoplastic melanocytes of epidermal origin is a rare and serious condition first described in 1977. We report on the exceptional clinical and pathological features of this migration phenomenon in a 74-year-old patient. Discussion. The pathogenesis by which melanocyte migration takes place is not known, but a breached basement membrane is considered essential. Conclusion. Histological examination and additional staining of skin are essential to differentiate breast cancer melanosis from malignant melanoma.
Highlights
Melanocyte colonization of breast carcinoma by nonneoplastic melanocytes of epidermal origin is a rare and serious condition first described in 1977
We report on the exceptional clinical and pathological features of this migration phenomenon in a 74-year-old patient
We report on this exceptional clinical and pathological migration phenomenon and demonstrate that histological examination and additional staining are essential to differentiate malignant melanoma from breast cancer melanosis
Summary
Melanocyte colonization of breast carcinoma by nonneoplastic melanocytes of epidermal origin was first described by Azzopardi and Eusebi in 1977 [1]. Tumor cells disrupting the epidermal-dermal interface are considered to be essential for the migration of melanocytes into the superficial dermis. This condition is rare, and the pigmentation is usually only observed microscopically. Examples of pigmented mammary Paget disease mimicking malignant melanoma are found in recent literature [5,6,7,8]. We report on this exceptional clinical and pathological migration phenomenon and demonstrate that histological examination and additional staining are essential to differentiate malignant melanoma from breast cancer melanosis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
